The Writing Blog

Book Review: Nightingale by Susan May Warren & Contest

2010-11-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'll just say it right up front: I loved Nightingale. RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren's writing improves with every book she publishes--and Nightingale gripped me from the opening scene to the last page.

As a writer, I've attended three of Susie's writing retreats where she challenges attendees to write breathtaking stories. With Nightingale, and the previously published Sons of Thunder, Susie puts into practice what she teaches.

The main characters in Nightingale, Esther, a nurse, and Peter, a German POW, are complex and compelling. The challenges they face are daunting--and the choices they make sometimes aren't between right and wrong but rather two things of equal value.

Sounds like real life, doesn't it?

At one point while I was reading Nightingale, I talked with Susie and said something like, "There better be a happy ending!" Susie smiled and said, "Well, I like happy endings too."

But sometimes the happiness we're looking for--the love we long for--is a long-time coming. And Susie doesn't write fluff. She writes about characters facing disappointments and heartaches--and having to make the choice to live a life of faith or one of doubt.

The Letters From Home Giveaway!

Enter the Contest: Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near. Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.

To celebrate the release of Nightingale, Susan would like you to write a letter. One grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. Five runners-up winners will win a signed copy of Nightingale. There are two ways to enter the contest by writing letters:

1. Write a letter to a soldier. At the end of the contest we’ll print out and mail your letter for you.

2. Write a letter to a friend, loved one, family member, enemy. Tell them something you wished you’d told them before. Tell them you love them, or maybe how they touched your life. Perhaps an apology is in order or a thank you. Or perhaps you'd like to relate a funny tale or just share life. Whatever it is, submit it here along with your email address and we’ll send it for you.

Enter here or at the SHARE page on the Brothers in Arms website. Or simply click on the button above.

Read what others are saying about Nightingale here.

*I received a copy of Nightingale to review, but was not compensated in any way to post a positive review of the book.*

Writing Letters of Thanks

2010-11-24T00:01:00.009-07:00

Photo by chappy14

Like many of you, I want to be a published novelist. November is National Novel Writing Month, otherwise affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. Skimming the website’s history doesn’t reveal exactly why this month was chosen. Whoever heard of expecting anyone to write a complete, 50,000-word novel during November? Don’t they know how busy people are? Of course, it’s hard to say, in the twenty-first century, when we’d ever slow down with nothing left to do with our time except write a novel. None of the other months during the year seem to be lazy and carefree, either.

But November is also the time when our hearts turn to thanking those people we are grateful for every month of the year.

When my husband was alive, I’d periodically remind him about the “just-in-case” letters to our children (and one to my husband) that were stashed in my sock drawer. Every few years, I update the letters, mentioning current interests or skills and spiritual gifts I’d see in their lives. I hope to encourage them and remind them of my love if there is ever a time when I’m not here to do that.

One trying school day, a math teacher, Franciscan Nun Sister Helen Mrosla, departed from the curriculum and asked students to list the nicest thing they could think about each classmate. She compiled the comments and gave a personal list to each student. Years later, after one of the students, Mark Eklund, died in Vietnam, the list was found, taped and re-taped, in his wallet. At the funeral, many of the other students also revealed they’d saved the list as one of their prized possessions. The inspirational tale of Sister Helen Mrosla, “the teacher who made a difference,” has been widely circulated all over the internet and featured in numerous books, like Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can read about it here.

Instead of worrying about reaching a self-imposed NaNo word count, I propose taking time to write a letter to at least one special person in your life telling how much he or she means to you. Who knows? Maybe your letter will be more meaningful to someone, more used by God, than the words in any novel you ever write.

Roxanne Sherwood
http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com/

Taking time to be thankful: There are so many people who love and encourage me: seven wonderful children; a mother; siblings & their spouses; precious friends like the Ponderers; and a new man in my life. I love, appreciate and thank God for each of you!

Second photo by lusi

Christmas Writing Contest!
Janice Thompson, along with www.freelancewritingcourses.com would like to announce a Christmas Writing Contest! For more information, click here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/christmas-writing-contest

ThanksLiving

2010-11-22T17:12:00.004-07:00

“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.”—Edward Sandford Martin

Do you celebrate Thanksgiving or ThanksLiving?

Recently, I hyperventilated myself into a near panic attack about living single for the rest of my life. And I came to this conclusion: Instead of allowing longings and worry about my future to crash on my today, I needed to live one thanksliving day at a time.

When unfulfilled desires torpedo my heart and my day, I remember. I’m choosing to thankslive today. I’m thankful for today. I will have a great day.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15–17

Happy ThanksLiving!

Take Five: A Dose of Writers Quotes

2010-11-19T08:47:00.004-07:00

"A writer should concern himself with whatever absorbs his fancy, stirs his heart, and unlimbers his typewriter . . . . A writer has the duty to be good, not lousy, true, not false, lively, not dull; accurate, not full of error. He should tend to lift people up, not lower them down." ~ E. B. White, American writer

"You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you're working on another. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success--but only if you persist." ~Isaac Asimov, author

"Writing comes more easily if you have something to say." ~Sholem Asch, novelist and playwright

"Sit down, and put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it." ~Colette, French novelist

"Nothing you write, if you hope to be good, will ever come out as you first hoped." ~Lillian Hellman, writer

Living, Breathing and Writing Sustainability

2010-11-15T02:01:00.007-07:00

“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”—Franz Kafka

In ecology, sustainability—the capacity to endure—describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. In the Greek, the definition of perseverance means "a hopeful looking towards the future without regard to the circumstances"

Yet, daunting circumstances—the changing publishing industry, finding time to write, receiving honest feedback from a critique group, securing an agent, developing a platform—can discourage an eager, bright-eyed writer. Some stop writing before they even start. Other writers just quit.

As a writer sustainability makes me ask myself these questions. Am I:

inhaling God’s Word, His written gift to me, to nourish and replenish my inner life?
using God’s insights and words in my writing?
pursuing the gifts God embedded in my creative DNA?
willing to learn, practice and hone those skills?
teachable enough to receive critiques that improve my WIP?
productive when publishing prospects seem dim?
asking God for the capacity to endure?
writing about significant issues?
choosing to encourage, stimulate, challenge, strengthen, inspire or confront through words?

William Shakespeare observed, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” Like an axe, the truthfulness of the Bible breaks through the frozen soul within. Just as I reached back to my spiritual forerunners who shaped my fundamental values, will the sustainability of my writing life and legacy reach out to my children and their children?

Has writing so gripped you that you feel like Isaac Asimov who said, “I write for the same reason I breathe—because if I didn’t, I would die"? What oxygen of the soul does God want to breathe out through your writing?

Take Five: A Dose of Writers Quotes

2010-11-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

"It's the writer's job to stage confrontations, so the characters will say surprising and revealing things, and educate and entertain us all." ~Kurt Vonnegut, author

"The great wisdom for writers, perhaps for everybody, is to come to understand to be at one with their own tempo." ~Alan Hollinghurst, English novelist

"To me, poetry is somebody standing up, so to speak, and saying, with as little concealment as possible, what it is for him or her to be on earth at this moment." ~Galway Kinnell, poet

"So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters; and whether it matters for ages or only for hours, nobody can say. But to sacrifice a hair of the head of your vision, a shade of its colour, in deference to some Headmaster with a silver pot in his hand or to some professor with a measuring-rod up his sleeve, is the most abject treachery, and the sacrifice of wealth and chastity, which used to be said the greatest of human disasters, a mere flea-bite in comparison." ~Virginia Woolf, in her essay on women and literature, "A Room of One's Own," (1929)

"Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down." ~Ray Bradbury, author

(With thanks to my delightful friend, Pennie, who shared her list of quotes and also the link to The Writer's Almanac.)

Amazon's Top 100 Books for 2010

2010-11-07T03:01:00.002-07:00

“Reading surrounds us, labels us, defines us.”—Rich Gold

Editors’ Picks and Customers’ Favorites

What books do you recommend to friends and family? The editors at Amazon.com chose their top 100 books for 2010 just in time for Christmas. The list is based on:

"Is this a keeper?
“Is this book worth telling people about?"
“Is this what we tell each other to read?”
“Is this what our customers talk about too?

This list contains books for all ages and interests from nearly two dozen categories. Below you will find the top 25. To peruse the entire list, click here.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Amazon Best Books of the Month, February 2010.
Faithful Place: A Novel by Tana French. Amazon Best Books of the Month, July 2010.
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes. Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2010.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2010.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
Freedom: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club) by Jonathan Franzen. Amazon Best of the Month, August 2010.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson. Amazon Best Books of the Month, May 2010.
To the End of the Land by David Grossman. Amazon Best of the Month, September 2010.
Just Kids by Patti Smith. Amazon Best Books of the Month, January 2010.
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis
The Imperfectionists: A Novel by Tom Rachman. Amazon Best Books of the Month, April 2010.
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green. Amazon Best Books of the Month, April 2010.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel by Helen Simonson. Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2010.
Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory by Ben Macintyre
The Memory Chalet by Tony Judt. Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2010.
The Passage by Justin Cronin. Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2010.
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell. Amazon Best Books of the Month, April 2010.
Let's Take the Long Way Home: A Memoir of Friendship by Gail Caldwell. Amazon Best Books of the Month, August 2010.
Worth Dying For by Lee Child. Amazon Best Books of the Month, October 2010.
WAR by Sebastian Junger
Skippy Dies: A Novel by Paul Murray. Amazon Best Books of the Month, September 2010.
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe: A Novel by Charles Yu
One Day (Vintage Contemporaries Original) by David Nicholls
Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory by Peter Hessler. Amazon Best Books of the Month, February 2010.
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King. Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2010.

Take Five: A Dose of Writers Quotes

2010-11-05T06:34:00.004-06:00

"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~ Toni Morrison, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Literature

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." ~Sylvia Plath, American poet, novelist and short story writer

"How vain it is to sit down and write when you have not stood up to live." Henry David Thoreau, American author and poet

"You have to learn how to use your energy and not squander it. In the writing process, the more a thing cooks, the better. The brain works for you even when you are at rest." ~Doris Lessing, British author

"Only amateurs say that they write for their own amusement. Writing is not an amusing occupation. It is a combination of ditch-digging, mountain-climbing, treadmill and childbirth. Writing may be interesting, absorbing, exhilarating, racking, relieving. But amusing? Never!" ~Edna Ferber, Pulitzer prize winning American novelist

Finding Your Voice--The Fundamentals

2010-11-03T12:24:00.005-06:00

At the My Book Therapy Storycrafters Retreat, Best-selling Author Susan May Warren shared the fundamentals for finding your voice.

Clarity. Don't try to make your manuscript more valuable by filling it with million-dollar words.

No overwriting. Avoid redundancy whether it's restating an idea, words, or sentences.

Simple sentences create impact.

Use active voice and delete was in your writing.

Use specific nouns. Choose details and specifics that matter. This will reduce multiple adjectives and -ly adverbs.

Write positively. Show what you want the reader to see, not what you don't want them to see. For example, "There was no light inside the cave" negatively shows there isn't light in the cave. Here's a stronger, more positive sentence: "The darkness in the cave seeped inside her."

Avoid cliches like the plague. ;-) They are for people who are too lazy or tired to reach deep.

Use 5 senses. Show how a POV character feels by building the 5 senses though the character's perspective.

Put punch words at the end of a sentence.

If you follow these fundamentals, you'll soon be on your way to creating your own voice.

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Save Time. Get Organized to Write

2010-10-31T00:01:00.006-06:00

“Information is a source of learning. But unless it is organized, processed, and available to the right people in a format for decision making, it is a burden, not a benefit.”—William Pollard

I decided to finish a book I’m writing. However, I felt frustrated. Years of writing compost—research, documentation, word pictures, illustrations, biblical word studies—plus every version of every WIP chapter and every critiquer’s document with their feedback littered one main folder titled with the book’s working title. Umpteen folders and miscellaneous documents filled the main folder. I even had another “main” folder containing everything recovered from a hard drive that crashed. I didn’t know if the recovered documents were duplicate files.

At one time I knew why I’d created every folder and oodles of documents and which chapter the information went with. But I no longer knew why I’d saved some of the information or what chapter I was thinking about when I saved the file. No longer a benefit, my writing compost pile was a burden.

I surveyed the confusing electronic folders and documents. When I wanted to write, I couldn’t find what I needed. Every time I started a new chapter, I opened and searched document after document trying to find the research or illustration that I knew I’d saved. When I wanted to polish a chapter, I wasn’t sure of the latest version of the WIP. I like to make the most of my precious writing hours. Trying to find specific information amidst the jumble of documents seemed like such a waste of time.

I’d completed a first draft for a new chapter and received critique feedback, except for a three or four paragraph illustration from Saint Augustine’s life that I still needed to write. To make sure the context from Augustine’s life worked, I wanted to re-read his book Confessions. When I discovered that I’d already downloaded Augustine’s book, but forgot Confessions sat in my unorganized folders, I decided it was time to bring order to disorder.

Before cranking out any more chapters, I ignored the urge to finish the Augustine chapter to spend a week organizing every file. I created folders for:

“stuff.” I dumped every folder and document into the stuff file, and then systematically opened every file to decide which chapter that information went with. If I wasn’t sure where to dump a document, it stayed in the stuff folder until recapturing my original vision.
the finished book proposal and pitch sheets. I placed the latest versions of the book proposal and pitch sheets in their respective folders.
each chapter. I created a file for each chapter (Chapter 1: Working Title) and then dumped every document into the respective chapter folder, including critiques. For each unwritten chapter, I created a working document that includes the chapter summary, problem, solution, and value statements and placed it in its chapter folder.
endorsements. I dumped all the endorsements already received, sample endorsement request letter, plus names and contact information for those I intend to ask.

What are some ways you organize your files, enabling you to find info fast while you write?

Take Five: A Dose of Writers Quotes

2010-10-29T05:47:00.004-06:00

"Ambition is putting a ladder against the sky." ~ American proverb

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." ~Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Senator

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." ~Benjamin Disraeli, British author and politician

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motors

"If it were not for hope, the heart would break." ~Thomas Fuller, English churchman and historian

Storycrafter Retreat and NaNoWriMo Time!

2010-10-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

I'm packing my suitcase with warm, comfy clothes, my laptop, and chocolate. (How can anyone expect me to write without chocolate?) I've got the nugget of an idea for a new novel, and I'm heading to the My Book Therapy Storycrafters Retreat Friday through Sunday in Minnesota, where it's already a bit chilly for this Texan. Storycrafters is a working writing retreat where participants will arrive with an idea and leave with a story plotted out -- just in time for NaNoWriMo!

Have you registered for NaNoWriMo yet? Don't wait! There's only a few days left in October.

After you register for NaNoWriMo, head over to the 2010 MBT NaNoWriMo Celebration where you'll get a ton of encouragement and be eligible for great prizes.

If you're not one of the lucky few registered for the Storycrafter Retreat, don't fret. Susan May Warren will teach a one-day Storycrafter Seminar on Saturday, November 13, 2010, near Denver, Colorado! Susie is packing in all the essentials of writing a novel, plus adding a hot, new class - Managing the Muddle (middle!) - into this intensive, one-day seminar. Hurry, the registration deadline ends November 1st!

What are you waiting for? There's never been a better time to write the story of your dreams!

~ Roxanne Sherwood

The Secret of Impressive Writing? Keep It Plain and Simple

2010-10-25T00:01:00.009-06:00

"Contrary to what some people seem to believe, simple writing is not the product of simple minds. A simple, unpretentious style has both grace and power. By not calling attention to itself, it allows the reader to focus on the message"—Richard Lederer and Richards Dowis

Daniel M. Oppenheimer, an associate professor of psychology at Princeton University's Department of Psychology, won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature for his paper entitled Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with using long words needlessly. Aren't you glad he added the subtitle? I found the title of his paper laugh out loud hilarious. His paper argues that simple writing makes authors appear more intelligent than complex writing. His research found that those who stick with basic vocabulary and plain text are seen as less intelligent.

Writers love learning new vocabulary, but if it sends your reader to the dictionary in the middle of a tense chase scene, it defeats your purpose to engage your reader. Smart writers use words their readers understand.

Erudite Vernacular (a.k.a. gobblygook)
As writers, I thought you’d enjoy common clichés transformed into “erudite vernacular” (a.k.a. gobblygook.) In 1944, Texas Congressman Maury Maverick coined the word gobblygook in reference to prose of politicians that sounded like the senseless gobbling of turkeys. So if you enjoy using big words that others don’t know, see how many of these sayings you can figure out. Don’t peek at the answers below.

And if you’re tired of dumbed-down silly games at wedding and baby showers, give your guests this entertaining list to decipher. The person who figures out the most sayings wins a dictionary.

Pulchritude possesses solely cutaneous profundity.
A futile superfluity of culinary aid destroys nutritious liquids of osseous tissues made.
Never enumerate ere fractured are the shells of bipeds gallinaceous, lest suddenly thy calculations prove utterly fallacious.
Members of an avian species of identical plumage congregate.
Selecting on the part of mendicants must be interdicted.
Surveillance should precede saltation.
That prudent avis that matutinally deserts the cosiness of its abode will ensnare a vermiculate creature.
It is fruitless to become lachrymose over precipitously departed lacteal fluid.  
Freedom from incrustations of grime is contiguous to rectitude.
The stylus is of greater potency than the claymore.
It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers.
Eschew the implement of correction and vitiate the scion.
The temperature of the aqueous content of an unremittingly ogled saucepan does not reach 100 degrees Celsius.
All articles that coruscate with resplendence are not truly auriferous.
Where one detects visible vapors having their provenance in ignited carbonaceous material, one is certain also to find conflagration.
A plethora of individuals with expertise in culinary techniques vitiate the potable concoction produced by steeping certain osseous tissues and comestible herbs and vegetables.
Eleemosynary deeds have their incipience intramurally.
Male cadavers are incapable of yielding testimony.
Individuals who make their abode in vitreous edifices would be advised to refrain from catapulting petrous projectiles.
Neophyte's serendipity.
Exclusive dedication to necessitous chores without interludes of hedonistic diversion renders Jacques a hebetudinous fellow.
Missiles of ligneous or lithoidal consistency have the potential of fracturing my osteal structure, but appellations will eternally remain innocuous.
A revolving lithic conglomerate accumulates no congeries of a diminutive, verdant bryophitic plant.
Elementary sartorial techniques intitially applied, preclude repetitious actions to the squares of three.
Abstention from any aleatory undertakings precludes a potential escalation of a lucrative nature.
Persons of imbecilic mentality navigate in parameters which cherubic entities approach with trepidation.
A person presenting the ultimate cachinnation possesses thereby the optimal cachinnation.
Scintillate, scintillate, asteroid minific. Fain do I fathom your nature specific. Exaltedly set on the aether capacious A reasonable facsimile of a gem carbonaceous. Scintillate, scintillate, asteroid minific. Fain do I fathom your nature specific.
A research team proceeded towards the apex of a natural geologic protuberance, the purpose of their expedition being the procurement of a sample of fluid hydride of oxygen in a large vessel, the exact size of which was unspecified. One member of the team precipitously descended, sustaining severe damage to the upper cranial portion of his anatomical structure; subsequently the second member of the team performed a self rotational translation oriented in the same direction taken by the first team member.

Answers:

Beauty is only skin deep.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
Birds of the feather flock together.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Look before you leap.
The early bird gets the worm.
Don't cry over spilt milk.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
A watched pot never boils.
All that glitters is not gold.
Where there is smoke, there is fire.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Charity begins at home.
Dead men tell no tales.
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Beginner's luck.
All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
He who laughs last laughs best.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in gobblygook.
Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill in doublespeak.

When All Else Fails . . .

2010-10-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

We all have those days when we don't know what to write about. Call it writer's block. Call it laziness. Call it boredom with the whole antagonist-protagonist-plot process. Whatever it is, nothing's showing up in either your brain or your work in progress.

That's kind of how I felt about this blog post. Tired. The old "I've got nothing" feeling that hangs over you when a deadline's looming.

So I did what any desperate writer does--I started surfing the Internet. And I stumbled upon a fun Web site: Creative Writing Prompts, which was voted one of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Web Sites for Writers in 2006 and 2007.

Click on any one of the numbers 1 through 346 for a writing prompt or idea. Here's a couple of samples:
114: Write about a time your pampered yourself. (Hhhm--could I do some research instead of writing about this from memory?)
254: Why would an antiques dealer leave town?
311: Use the following words in your story: photographer, needle, dormitory. bicycle
340: Melinda Alcott and Dwayne Modderman meet in a bank. One of them is a loner. Describe how they meet.

You can also subscribe to CreativeSparks!, the e-zine of CreativeWritingPrompts.com and download a copy of the CreativeSparks! E-book (volume 1) for free.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go figure out how Melinda and Dwayne meet. But first, which one of them is the loner?

Just Do It!

2010-10-19T22:29:00.004-06:00

Fitness Guru Tony Horton is so dedicated that he plans his exercise schedule six months in advance. Horton, who has one of the most toned bodies for someone over 50, encourages others to plan their workouts. If you want to workout five times a week, he says, then plan which twenty days you'll workout this month. Then, commit to do it!

A friend revealed her goal-setting strategy. She places round stickers--the kind you find in Walmart for pricing garage-sale items--on her calendar with her writing goals. So, sit down with your calendar, spread sheet, day planner, whatever (I've been accused lately of over-using that word), and write down your incremental plan to reach your writing goals.

Then, just do it!

On Writing and Dentists

2010-10-19T10:58:00.007-06:00

"I sometimes wonder when I read what even knowledgeable people say about writers and writing if they have any conception of what the life of a writer is like . . . . What they don't know might include: a visit to the dentist . . . ”

My plans for Monday were to complete a chapter to send to my critique group. An aching unbearable tooth made other plans for me. I called the dentist office. His receptionist said they’d work me in, so come to the office ASAP. I printed out the compost for the chapter, packed up my computer, and headed off to the dentist.

After analyzing the situation, the dentist could either give me antibiotics and I could come back on Thursday or he could work me in during the day. Since I came prepared, I opted to stay and let him work me in. Antibiotics that disagree with my intestinal tract didn’t appeal to me. And after looking at the infection pocket on the X-rays, I felt anxious for it to be out of my body.

Well…three paragraphs, four thousand dollars (I don’t have health insurance), a lot of gas at party level and five hours later…I was more than exhausted. I wanted to go home, crawl in bed and suck my thumb. Except the dental assistant said, “Don’t suck on a straw”, so I figured the thumb was out also. The pain of my dentist’s reparative replaced the cause of the pain.

Today I return with Ibuprofen in hand to work on the chapter. Ahhhh…the life of a writer.

Take Five: A Dose of Writers Quotes

2010-10-15T07:11:00.002-06:00

"You can't wait for inspiration to come. You have to hunt it down with a club." Jack London, author of Call of the Wild

"Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without exercise, the muscles seize up." Jane Yolen, children's book author

"I am always talking about the human condition--about what we can endure, dream, fail at and survive." Maya Angelou, poet

"Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience." Henry David Thoreau, author

"I rewrote the ending of Farewell to Arms 39 times before I was satisfied." Ernest Hemingway, author

For Fiction Writers, Fall Means NaNoWriMo Time

2010-10-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Fall.
God paints the landscape red, orange, gold, brown, and deep green. Grocery stores prominently display bright Indian corn, orange pumpkins, and decorative gourds in a variety of shapes and colors. Halloween costumes appear, fitting every imagination and personality. Crisp days and chilly nights put a bounce in our steps after summer's heat. Maybe, the season's first fire blazes at the hearth. But, for fiction writers, fall brings NaNoWriMo.

What is NaNoWriMo?
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). From November 1-30, writers attempt to complete one 50,000-word (175-page) novel. You may sign up at the website at any time, but the novel must be written in November.

Um . . . It's still October. Why post about NaNoWriMo now?
Though your novel must not be started before November 1, it's okay (and preferable) to begin thinking about the book. You may create character sketches, plan outlines, and research your story now. But you'd better hurry, you've only got two weeks.

What's the big deal about NaNoWriMo? I can write a novel anytime.
Sure, you can. And regular readers of this blog are writers. But so many people say they want to write a novel, yet few people actually do. NaNoWriMo encourages everyone from auto mechanics to zoologists to actually write the book of their dreams with a community of other writers all spurring one another to victory.

How many people participate in NaNoWriMo?
In 2009, over 165,000 ordinary people started to write a novel. By November 30, more than 30,000 individuals had become novelists. How cool is that!

What happens after November? What's next?
First, do the Snoopy Dance and celebrate! Whether you crossed the finish line with a completed 50,000-word manuscript or only came close, your book is still a first draft. You'll need to continue reading this blog and others, like The Ponderers and My Book Therapy, and study books on the writing craft. Your novel will still need to be fleshed out--no one really buys a 50,000-word manuscript--then polished and edited. But that's really the easy part. You can fix any problem. But you can't fix a blank page.

So, what are you waiting for? Begin pondering your story and get ready to NaNoWriMo!

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Book Review: Not Like Me

2010-10-11T07:38:00.004-06:00

Book Review: Not Like Me

Author: Eric Michael Bryant.

Paperback: 256 pp.

Publisher: Zondervan

ISBN: 0310329965

Price: $14.99

Finally.

A smart book that looks at those hard, emotional issues spawned by an uncivil religious war with reason, compassion, humor, plus a refreshing “love your neighbor as yourself” perspective.

Cohabitors. Gays. Muslims. Freaks. Homeless. Liberals. Unbelievers. Your neighbors. Your co-workers. Your family? What stereotypical picture pops into your head preventing you from touching others-not-like-you with Christ’s love?

Fear? Anger? Repulsion?

If you are wondering how to make ministry happen with others who make you feel uncomfortable, then this book is a must-read. Eric’s uncomfortable laugh-out-loud encounter with his wife’s fellow classmate’s lesbian partner is worth the price of the book.

I was provided a review copy of Not Like Me by Eric Michael Bryant.

What’s This Book About

We live in a diverse world filled with unprecedented opportunity. According to author Eric Bryant in Not Like Me, formerly titled Peppermint-Filled Piñatas, we can become agents of change creating genuine unity among people from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems through our relationships.

Through humorous stories and pointed insights gleaned from Eric’s own personal experiences and failures, the experiences of others and the life and teachings of Jesus, you will discover how to move beyond ethnic, racial, cultural or ideological barriers towards genuine friendship with others.

In addition, spiritual seekers will find that when stripped away from the religion created around him, Jesus’ dream for our world is remarkable and refreshing. In this new world, we can discover how to resolve conflict, overcome bitterness, create a better future, develop diverse communities and enjoy our diverse world.

Not Like Me includes a brief article after each chapter with practical applications and questions for small groups. For more small group or sermon resources, visit www.NotLikeMe.org.

Eric Bryant’s Bio

Eric Bryant serves as an elder, speaker and navigator with the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles, a church known for its creativity and diversity. He is part of the core teams for the Mosaic Alliance and The Origins Project. Bryant completed his Doctorate of Ministry in Entrepreneurial Leadership with Bethel Seminary. He lives with his wife, Debbie, and two children, Caleb and Trevi, in the middle of Los Angeles County.

Visit the author’s website.

Get to know Eric Bryant on Facebook.

Follow Eric on Twitter.

Read what other bloggers are saying about Eric’s book.
Buy Not Like Me.

Inside the Life and Mind of the Author

Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

I was born in California while my dad was in the Air Force. From Kindergarten through college I grew up in Texas. I am fortunate to come from a Christian family, but I struggled to follow Jesus as a teenager. Just after college I got married to Debbie, and we moved to Seattle where we helped plant a church which had 4 senior pastors in the first 4 years. Twelve years ago we moved to Los Angeles to volunteer at Mosaic to experience a healthy church before planting our own. Instead of planting elsewhere, I was invited to help with the youth group, then college ministry, then starting new venues, and then about 5 years ago I became a navigator.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

I love watching movies, playing Wii with my wife and kids, traveling, and performing stand-up comedy.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want to have the same super power that Bruce Willis had in Unbreakable. I want to be able to play basketball into my 70s.

What has God been teaching you lately?

I have been reading through the prophets and have been reminded of God’s passion for people. Even as stubborn as they were (and they were really stubborn), he would continue to send messengers to warn them of the consequences of their continued rebelliousness. Ultimately, God loves people so much more than we do.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a professional basketball player. At 5’8” I would have had a better shot at becoming a gymnast or jockey.

Where are you headed next?

My passion remains communicating and catalyzing community for the mission of Jesus wherever I may be. Right now at Mosaic I am helping as the campus pastor at both the Pasadena and West Los Angeles campuses, but our roles are always changing according to what is needed.

How did you get involved in writing?

I wrote my first book in 5th grade. It was an intergalactic adventure called “Thysar and the Benay.” It was never published. In college I wrote a devotional book which was also never published. Most of my writing has come in the form of my journal and my blog posts. Writing has always helped me to express better what I am going through, experiencing, and learning.

What was the most difficult aspect of the writing process?

I am an extrovert to the highest degree, so sitting still to actually begin writing poses a challenge to me at times.

What did you enjoy most about the writing process?

By taking the time to sit still and reflect, I hear God’s voice more clearly than when I don’t do that. I learn from Him when I take the time to write.

How do you find time to write?

I try to write a little bit each day, mostly in my journal, on my website, on twitter, or when working on a message. When writing a book or my dissertation, I would sneak away for longer periods of time to really make progress. At times I would pull together what I had written elsewhere to include in the book.

What would you say to someone who wants to become a published author?

Learn to enjoy writing. I have written a great deal more that is not published than what has been published. Share what you are discovering with the people already in your community (family, church, friends, etc.). If they don’t find what you are writing helpful then other people probably won’t either. Give them permission to help you revise your work, and be willing to edit over and over. It took me 15 years and dozens of rejection letters or conversations before I had a book published, so I would also recommend perseverance as well.

Where did you get the idea for the book?

Erwin McManus, the lead pastor at our church in Los Angeles, encouraged me to write a book on diversity. What we have experienced here at Mosaic is quite unique in terms of the diversity of people we have reached and/or who have become leaders in our community. People come from such ethnically, spiritually, and socio-economically different places, yet for far too long, even in diverse cities, churches have remained homogenous. I have personally failed and seen some successes in reaching out to others not like me, so I wanted to be able to help others become more effective in their own mission fields.

What are the major themes of the book?

In essence the book describes how to allow people to belong before they ever choose to believe. Too often Christians view those who do not follow Jesus as outsiders or as people to be avoided. My hope is that through this book, people of faith could become more known for their love of people no matter what they might believe, look like, or the choices they may make. In many ways, I am advocating for the rights of those who do not yet believe. In addition, the book helps people move from social conversations to spiritual ones.

What kind of research did you have to do for the book?

I share a great deal of personal stories from my experiences as a youth pastor in Texas, as a church planter in Seattle, and as part of the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles. At the same time, I include insights from the Scriptures, seminary textbooks, and pop culture.

With which character do you, personally, identify most and why?

The biggest issue is that we don’t even try to get past cultural barriers. Sometimes we confuse the ideas of being “set apart” and being “sent out.” We are supposed to be “set apart” in our behavior but “sent out” into our relationships. Sometimes we do the opposite. We become “set apart” from the very people God has brought into our lives to love, serve, and influence. It’s human nature to spend time with the people who are most like us because of our self-centered tendencies. Another big part of the problem would be our more consumeristic view of the church. At Mosaic, we strive to go against that. Our lead pastor Erwin McManus says: “The church is not here to meet our needs. We are the church here to meet the needs of the world.” If our relationship with God was all about me and Jesus, then my pastor should have just drowned me during my baptism so I could go straight into His presence. Instead, he brought me out of the water because there is much more for me to do. I now represent Jesus everywhere I go.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My prayer is that those who read the book will be able to love, serve, and influence at least one person they had overlooked before reading the book. One of my favorite responses to the book is when I hear that someone who read the book went on to have a real breakthrough with a neighbor, co-worker, or friend. That is the best result possible!

Read this . . . and this . . . and, oh yeah, this too!

2010-10-08T07:11:00.004-06:00

Several different posts on the Internet worth your time this week:

1. Literary agent Chip MacGregor posted A Reading List for Writers. Thanks, Chip! My Kindle is going to get quite a workout today as I start downloading some new reading material.

2. My writing friend and fellow Ponderer, Melissa Tagg, wrote a must-read column over at the MBT Ponderers' blog: Scary Prayers and Patience. I smile the minute I begin reading anything Melissa's written. I just love her voice! And FYI: Melissa, aka M-Tagg, was the first-ever winner of the MBT Frasier award.

3. I'm now a MBT Special Teams blogger, which means two things: a) I get to have a fun photo of me wearing a Broncos football jersey (thanks, Marty, for help with that!) and b) I'll be writing about editing. My other teammates are Tiffany Colter and Edie Melson. My first post is up today: Placing a Ban on the Writer vs. Editor Mentality.

The 2010 ACFW Conference -- One More Time!

2010-10-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Writers talked about the 2010 ACFW Conference for months before 620 attendees descended on Indianapolis September 17-20 to eat, breathe and talk writing, writing, writing.

Then we came home and talked about how the weekend went--how much sleep we (didn't) have, how many times we pitched our books, which agents or editors requested a proposal--and which ones didn't--and who wore what to the awards banquet. And, yes, we came home with a whole new way to do the writer's "Happy Dance," thanks to Susan May Warren and her line dance finale at the MBT Pizza Party. (Check out the video on YouTube to learn the steps!)

Thanks to the October issue of ACFW's e-zine, Afictionado, you've got another chance to relive the conference. Or, if you didn't get to attend, here's your chance to glean insights from the different workshops and speakers.

E-zine articles include:

Author Tim Downs' two Keynote Addresses, one on Friday night and one on Saturday
Dr. Dennis Hensley's workshop on Mastering Structure, Symbols, 3-D Characters
Agents Rachelle Gardner & Sandra Bishop's workshop on Selling Your Stuff
Author Terri Blackstock's workshop on Writing Suspense
Jeff Gerke's workshop on The Last Show vs. Tell Class You'll Ever Need

Many more articles on all the workshops and session offered at the conference are also in the e-zine. Considering I only managed to attend two of the classes I signed up for, I need to read through Afictionado myself. It will hold me until my conference MP3s get here!

How Readable Are Your Sentences?

2010-10-03T00:01:00.008-06:00

"In general, shorter is better. If you can encapsulate your idea into a single captivating sentence, you're halfway home."—Len Wein

From beginning writers to highly-educated professionals, some people write inordinately long sentences, as in lose-my-interest-length. I worked for an organization that thought good writing was, “How many thoughts and ideas can I compress into one sentence?”

As trash-compactor writers, their jam-packed manuscripts often contained polysyllabic words and long, complex sentences. Three or four complete sentences and concepts packed into one sentence was not unusual—it was the norm. I recall one 63-word opening hook.

Untangling a difficult-to-read manuscript exhausts both the reader and editor. ‘Readability’ does not mean trying to impress others with a massive brain dump in one sentence or paragraph. Readability, the writing quality of your sentences, makes it easy (or difficult) to read and understand.

How do you write easy-to-digest, understandable sentences on the first reading? The bottom line? Use simpler diction. Write short sentences. Like American writer, Janet Flanner said, “I keep going over a sentence. I nag it, gnaw it, pat and flatter it.”

Tips to Nag, Gnaw, Pat, and Flatter Your Sentences

Write readable sentences.

Reader’s Digest length sentences: 5-7 words.
The easiest sentence to read? 8 words.
1-20 words: easy to read.
21-25 words: easy to understand.
26-29: difficult to follow.
30+ words: confusing.

The Long and Short of Short Sentences

A string of short sentences often sound childish, choppy, tedious, and difficult to understand.
Use short, punchy sentence as a hook to stress one strong idea.
Maximize and emphasize crucial points and critical information.
Save for important statements.

The Long and Short of Long Sentences

A string of long sentences often sounds boring or unclear.
Long sentences annoy readers.
Break a sentence of more than 20 words into two sentences.
Longer sentences can complicate the story in places where simplicity is more effective.
Long sentences incorporate information and coordinate ideas.

Promote pacing, rhythm, emphasis, and reader interest.

Vary sentence length and structure to create strong rhythm.
Vary sentence structure openings. Too many similar beginnings make reading tedious.
Write sentences in a logical or chronological progression of thought.
Begin each sentence with a different word. Don’t start two or more sentences with the same word.
Keep an eye out for missing periods, weird commas, closing quotes, and opening quotes.
Delete exclamation points.

Special offer for ACFW Members from The Editorial Department

2010-10-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

The Editorial Department (TED), one of the oldest full service editorial firms in the country, offers consultation, editing, and publishing support services for writers and screenwriters. Renni Browne, co-author of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, started TED in 1980.

Through October, TED is offering a special introductory promotion to ACFW members: the Read and React evaluation, a shorter, more concise written review. An editor will help improve your story's plot, pacing, characterization and writing style. The review also includes a half-hour consultation via phone or e-mail.

TED's Manuscript Evaluation is normally $2.00 per page. The ACFW special offer is priced at $1.25 per page--nearly half the cost!

There's also the option of a $35 Introductory Critique, which evaluates your story's opening and provides guidance for the rest of the manuscript.

Check out TED's list of suggested reading too, as well as their article, "What Editors (Really) Do: A Primer" by Renni Browne.

Discovering Motives

2010-09-28T22:57:00.009-06:00

I live only an hour from the University of Texas in Austin, so the shooting on Tuesday hit close to home. Police say UT Student Colton Tooley, 19, fired shots on campus with an AK-47 assault rifle, then killed himself inside the library. So far, no one has any idea why Tooley fired those shots. According to the Associated Press in Yahoo! News, those who knew Tooley say he was "intelligent and incapable of hurting anyone." A relative named Marcus described Tooley as "an excellent student who 'wouldn't or couldn't hurt a fly.'" Tooley's high school principal said teachers remembered him as "brilliant, meticulous and respectful." Yesterday, the young student acted completely out of character and no one knows why.

I'm thinking, not many folks have assault rifles stashed under an old army blanket in their closets. At what point did this careful student decide to buy the AK-47? What caused his character to change so drastically? Yet, even as he carried out his plan, even as he fired the weapon, he failed to injure anyone but himself. Even if the campus was still waking up and not many students were around, even if Tooley had lousy aim, he fired an automatic weapon
toward people. Wouldn't he have hit someone if he were trying? In the end, the young man who "couldn't hurt a fly" only hurt himself.

As writers, we always need to know what motivates our characters. Does their motivation make sense? If not, the lack of a proper motive will take the reader completely out of the story faster than almost anything. But with the proper back story, your villain can be believable, your story can be powerful. Your tragic young hero can make serious mistakes, yet your story will resonate with your readers and may change lives.

In the days ahead, I'm sure investigators, psychologists, and profilers will draw a clear picture of what motivated Tooley. Meanwhile, my heart goes out to Tooley's distraught parents on the loss of their son. I'm thankful he didn't take any innocent lives during the shootings and his parents aren't dealing with that additional tragedy as well.

~Roxanne Sherwood

Georgia O'Keeffe on Writing

2010-09-27T08:50:00.003-06:00

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way — things I had no words for.”—Georgia O'Keeffe

You want to write. The kids demand your attention. What’s a writer momma to do? Coloring Pages, a search engine for thousands of websites, provides online coloring pages to print out and hand to your child to color.

As this quote from their website states: “Educational and fun for your kids, peace and quite for you!” And yes they misspelled quiet. So when your words clamor to paint your page, print out a creative distraction to bring out your child’s inner Georgia O’Keeffe.

Everybody's Talking About It: ACFW Memories

2010-09-23T23:05:00.005-06:00

The 2010 ACFW conference in Indianapolis ended last Sunday night--and I'm still trying to catch up on all my lost sleep! From the time I met up with my roomie, Roxanne, in the Denver airport, until we hugged goodbye four days later, life was all about friends and writing and friends and writing and friends--with occasional meals, where I ate with friends and talked about writing.

Yes, I attended workshops and heard some insightful comments, like author Tim Downs' definition of a writer: "Writers need to be weird. They need a computer, a printer, and a whole lot of paper."
And while his comment that a writer lives in an alternate universe that resembles the manuscript you're working on made me laugh, he also challenged me when he said that we experience life as story.
"Story is inherently spiritual," he said," and heaven is the place where God will tell you your story."

To be honest, I came away with very few notes--and a whole lot of memories tucked in my heart. I had the chance to encourage other writers, as well as being motivated by watching other writers pursue their dreams. I met online friends face to face and shared hugs and laughs and prayers that will get me through the "it's just me and my computer" times.

We often talk about the expense of getting to a writers conference. But when I look at the photos of my friends . . . when I think of our late-night chats . . . the times we gathered together and prayed for one another before we went off to pitch our books . . . how we celebrated our lives as writers . . .

well, times like that are priceless.

Watch Susan May Warren and Friends Line Dance at the My Book Therapy Pizza Party during the ACFW Conference

2010-09-23T11:11:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNvFf7tQH0w

Paraprosdokian: A cliché with a twist

2010-09-20T10:59:00.010-06:00

“A true leader [writer] always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public [readers] excited and breathless.—Charles de Gaulle

Consummate wordsmiths strive to hone their craft. Write in active voice. Vary sentence length. Ban the adverb. Don’t mix metaphors. Avoid clichés. However, one underused figure of speech, the paraprosdokian, gives the lowly cliché new life. And what pray tell is the paraprosdokian twist? Paraprosdokian comes from two Greek words "παρα-", meaning "beyond" and "προσδοκία", meaning "expectation". A paraprosdokian (a figure of speech that uses an unexpected ending to a phrase or series):

sets up the reader's expectation, then delivers a surprise
changes or reframes the meaning of the first phrase or sentence, giving it a new meaning
plays on the double meaning of a particular word
links two incongruent ideas to a word, providing the same effect as a great metaphor
are employed by comedians and satirists
is akin to a punch line
can start with a cliché, and then startles the reader with different ending
results in a humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.

This paraprosdokian links the brand name “Guess” with two different thoughts: I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"

Fiction writers can relate to these paraprosdokians:

The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas.
Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.

What if one of your characters only spoke in paraprosdokians? Or this technique revealed the dark side of your character. Jeremy, a refined gentleman farmer, landscaped his lush yard, cooked gourmet dinners, read the classics, and enjoyed sitting atop rooftops taking deadly aim at his victims through the scope of his sniper rifle.

Examples of paraprosdokians

He was at his best when the going was good.—Alistair Cooke on the Duke of Windsor
There but for the grace of God—goes God.—Churchill
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate.—Henry J. Tillman
I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat. —Will Rogers
She got her good looks from her father; he’s a plastic surgeon.—Groucho Marx
I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it. —Groucho Marx
One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas I’ll never know.—Groucho Marx
It looked so good out this morning, I thought I’d leave it out. — Paul Benjamin King
I haven’t slept for ten days. Because that would be too long.—Mitch Hedberg
You know, I’m sick of following my dreams, man. I’m just going to ask where they’re going and hook up with ‘em later.—Mitch Hedberg
There’s a bunch of different crunches that affect the abs… my favorite is Nestle.—Shmuel Breban
I like going to the park and watching the children run and jump around, because you see, they don’t know I’m using blanks.—Emo Philips
Actually, my CD was released in 1985, in return for two German missionaries and a Dutch urologist.—Emo Philips
I discovered my wife in bed with another man, and I was crushed. So I said, “Get off me, you two!”—Emo Philips
Mark my words. No, Mark, I really need my words.—Stephen Colbert
If all the girls at Vassar were laid end to end, I wouldn’t be surprised.—Dorothy Parker
It’s too bad that whole families have to be torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs.—Jack Handey
On the other hand, we have different fingers.—Jack Handey
The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face. — Jack Handey
The car stopped on a dime, which unfortunately was in a pedestrian’s pocket.
Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.—Groucho Marx
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my father, not screaming and terrified like his passengers.—Bob Monkhouse
A modest man, who has much to be modest about.—Winston Churchill (of Clement Atlee)
If you are going through hell, keep going.—Winston Churchill
Take my wife—please.—Henny Youngman
It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.—Winston Churchill
You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—after they’ve tried everything else.—Winston Churchill
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right—only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good evening’ and then proceeds to tell you why it isn’t.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a workstation.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
If I am reading this graph correctly—I would be very surprised.—Stephen Colbert
I sleep 8 hours a day. And at least 10 at night. — Bill Hicks
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you can’t help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.
I am most disgusted that you were not rewarded for your wonderful work.
Take my hand, I don’t want it.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on the list.
If I agreed with you we’d both be wrong.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don’t need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says “If an emergency, notify:” I put “DOCTOR”.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says “If an emergency, notify:” I list “9-1-1”
I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such away that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
I discovered I scream the same way whether I’m about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
There’s a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can’t get away.
I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You’re never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.—Groucho Marx
Ninety percent of the game is half mental.—Yogi Berra
A friend of mine invented a new parachute; it opens on impact, never fails...works for everybody that uses it the first time.
She looks as though she’s been poured into her clothes, and forgot to say when.—P. G. Wodehouse
Have you ever tried just sitting down with your children, turning the TV off, and hitting them.—Homer Simpson
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, you will be a mile away and he won’t have any shoes.
I don’t have a girlfriend, I just know a girl who would get really mad if she heard me say that.—Mitch Hedberg
I weigh 135 pounds naked, if that scale at the train station is to be believed.— Emo Phillips
I’ve never seen him so sad, or ever before.—Scruffy in Futurama
If I could say a few words, I would be a better public speaker. — Homer Simpson
My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too.
You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship together and there was only one life jacket... I’d miss you heaps and think of you often.
Hallmark Card: “I’m so miserable without you, it’s almost like you’re still here.”
It was a book to kill time for those who like it better dead.—Rose Macaulay
To commit suicide in Buffalo would be redundant.—Harold Arlen
One must have a heart of stone to read the death of little Nell without laughing.—Oscar Wilde

Book Review: Coffee Shop Conversations

2010-09-16T19:50:00.005-06:00

Authors: Jonalyn and Dale Fincher

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Zondervan

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310318874

ISBN-13: 978-0310318873

Coffee House Conversations

A 2008 study released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life notes that the number of people creating their own interpretations of faith and culture is growing. Seems like there are as many different styles of faith as ways to order your latte. How does a Christian have normal conversations about Jesus without accidentally sounding offensive, bigoted or intolerant?

In Coffee Shop Conversations by Dale Fincher and Jonalyn Fincher, readers will find the tools they need to speak plainly and honestly about their faith, avoid speaking “christianese” and have meaningful, tolerant and respectful conversations with friends who don’t share their views. Coffee Shop Conversations is written to an audience of 18-35 year olds interested in articulating their faith throughout their everyday activities.

Coffee Shop Conversations provides a commonsense approach to sharing faith with others. It exposes what some Christian’s agenda to save people from hellfire and damnation looks like in the context of “witnessing.” They examine “Who is our neighbor?” encourage readers to look beyond outer labels and get to know the hearts of their neighbors—whether it be associates that worship other gods or live immoral lifestyles.

This book offers practical, commonsense ways to create an atmosphere of loving discourse.

· Respect one another.

· Step into their shoes.

· Wrestle on your own by asking others questions rather than offer “expert” answers.

· Never judge authentic religion by its abuses.

· Get to know others. Update your opinions about others.

· Share your personal experience.

· Allow others to remain unconvinced.

The authors offer conversation stoppers:

· When feeling cornered by someone’s question, offer a spiritual cliché, for example, “Just take it by faith.”

· Don’t fallback on that’s-the-way-I-was-raised answers.

· When feeling fearful or threatened, lash out hatefully.

· Show your disgust for the other person or his views or situation in life.

· Sniff out their sin, and then club them with shame and blame.

Other tips the authors offer include:

· Get to know the Bible for yourself and the context of the verses you apply to life.

· Avoid arguing about perceived errors in the Bible.

This book also addresses other sticky topics:

· Is the Bible sexist?

· Why does spiritual abuse masquerade as spiritual leadership?

· Why are there so many hypocrites in the church?

· How do I love my gay friends?

And if you want to know the authors' answers to these sticky questions, read the book.

About the Authors

Dale Fincher and Jonalyn Fincher speak and write nationally as a husband-wife team through Soulation, a non-profit dedicated to helping others be appropriately human. They are energetic and experienced public speakers, and their previous books include Living with Questions and Ruby Slippers. They make their home in Steamboat, Colorado, with corgis, snowshoes and a colorful library of books.

Learn more about Jonalyn and Dale at http://soulation.org/.

Zondervan Publishers provided a free copy of this book for review on this blog.

Crafting the One-Sheet.

2010-09-15T00:01:00.004-06:00

One sheet designed by Martin Graphics

A writer's one-sheet is a marketing tool for pitching your book to editors and agents at conferences. One-sheets are generally printed on white paper. Color is judiciously used for emphasis. Be careful because using too much color or too many type fonts are marks of an amateur. A desktop publishing program like Macintosh Pages or Microsoft Publisher will give you a professional look. A great touch is to add photos reflecting the book's setting, prominent symbols or theme.

Your one-sheet should include:

Title. Place the book's title at the top of the page in bold letters. Put the author's name directly under the title.

A Tagline. Or hook. Also, called an elevator pitch. In 25- (precise, witty, catchy) words or less, tell what your novel is about.

Brief Synopsis. Look at back cover copy for examples. Susan May Warren calls this The Big Bang. When constructing the big bang, think of these questions: What's at stake for the characters? What's the climax? What's the Black Moment? What's the spiritual takeaway?

Contact Information.Author's name, address, phone number, email address, blog, and website.

A Current Author Photo. This will help the agent or editor remember you and your project.

Author Bio. This is a brief resume of your published works or experience pertinent to your platform. You may be a school teacher writing about bull riding. If you grew up on a ranch, that experience should be included.

Other. Genre. Word count. Status of work. Is it complete or a work-in-progress? Series or stand alone? Agent, if you have one. Target audience.

~Roxanne Sherwood

Tonight: Batter Up for ACFW at MBT PitchFest Online Chat

2010-09-12T21:37:00.008-06:00

photo by justino307/stock.xchange.com

I leave for the 2 010 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference in--gasp!--four days! I've got to pack. But first I have to figure out what I'm going to wear. And I've got to make sure everything's settled on the home-front before I slip away from motherhood for a few days and focus on being a writer.

And while I'm packing and preparing, I've got to practice my pitch for my novel!

Actually, I'm not stressing about my pitch, thanks to the MBT (My Book Therapy) Polish and Promotion conference I attended last May. The insights from bestselling author Susan May Warren and literary agent Chip MacGregor helped me craft a strong pitch for my contemporary romance.

What about you? How are you feeling about your pitch for ACFW--or any other conferences you plan to attend?

If you're looking for a chance to polish your pitch, join us at the Batter Up for ACFW PitchFest at the online MBT Chat tonight at 8 p.m. ET ( 7 p.m. CT). Spend two hours--or however much time you have available--interacting with other writers as you polish your pitch to perfection! Learn how to zero in on your hook--that first sentence that grabs an editor, agent or publisher. And then discover how to write a premise that feeds their interest, while focusing on the most important elements of your story.

For some warm-ups, read the following blog posts:
Pitch Practice by Susan May Warren
Pitch Fest: The Why and Why Not by Beth K. Vogt
Pitch Fest: The Hook: How Ironic! by Teri Dawn Smith
Pitch Fest: Premise Practice ... and a Promise: It's Really Not So Hard!

Pitch Fest: Why? Why Not?

2010-09-09T22:47:00.007-06:00

Learning about verbal pitches from Susan May Warren and agent Chip MacGregor at the 2010 MBT Pitch and Promotion Conference

As bestselling author Susan May Warren mentioned in yesterday's MBT Pitch Practice post, at the heart of every good pitch is your passion for your story.

Thanks to Susie, there is a marvelous method for harnessing your passion and crafting an a-ma-zing pitch. That's what this Blog Fest is all about!

The Why: the plot element driving your character through the story
To focus your pitch, you must return once again to your main character(s). No groaning and thinking, "I am so over trying to get inside my character's head! I want a book contract!" Crafting a compelling verbal pitch helps you present yourself confidently, which brings you one step closer to your dream.

1. Ask you character, "Who are you? What is your identity and why?" Then delve into their answers--yeah, that whole conversation with imaginary characters we fiction writers do--and look for their core values. Things like freedom, loyalty, family or honesty. Their core values move them through the story.
Example: Your heroine values safety/security--and she's got her planned/canned happily ever after with her "Safety Patrol Boy" fiancé .

2. Ask your character, "What are you good at? Why?" Look for unique skills, abilities, personalities, physical attributes, legacies or knowledge. Competence = uniqueness.
Example: Your heroine, a graphic designer, is a bit of a control freak who makes sure she doesn't color outside the lines in her personal life.

The Why Not: what prevents your character from accomplishing his/her goal
One of Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motion states: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The Why Not is equal in menace and strength to the character's Why.

The Why and Why Not war against each other. To discover the Why Not look at your character's goal--security? to protect someone?--and turn it inside -outside-upside-down into the opposite goal.
Example: Your heroine buried her love for her adventuresome, daring father--ever since he abandoned her. Being with him was her happiest time--but all she wants now is security. (Funny, how her fiancé's appealing brother reminds her of her father.) Does she really want security--or does she want a man she can trust enough to risk with?

So you have your Why and Why Not, the building blocks of your pitch. How do you weave this into your pitch? Why + Why Not = essential elements of your plot. Use these to discover the dramatic irony in your story. To learn about irony, go to MBT Ponderer Teri Dawn Smith's post: Pitch Fest: The Hook: How Ironic!

After you read Teri's post, find out why MBT Ponderer Melissa Tagg promises writing a premise isn't that hard--even though it initially freaked her out! Then join Susie and the MBT Ponderers on Monday night, September 13 at 7 p.m. (Central) for a Pitch Practice Chat!

It's Raining Calicos and Dalmations

2010-09-08T00:01:00.004-06:00

I slowed down to pass a two-car accident on the way to my son's speech therapy session. The cars weren't damaged too badly, and no one seemed to need an ambulance. Still, I prayed for the people involved, who I'm sure didn't have "collision" penciled-in on their calendars today. Even minor damage would be a major inconvenience in the pouring rain. I was thankful timing allowed me not to have been part of the accident.

The rain slowed to a drizzle, while my son and I got out of the car. I dashed inside with him in my arms, leaving my purse and umbrella on the seat of my car. While I chatted with the therapist, the deluge started again. Did you notice where I'd left my umbrella and cell phone? Rats! My day continued just like that. I dodged a few raindrops getting my son to preschool, then got soaked when the wind turned my umbrella inside out on the way to pick him up. Home again, I stuck him in a tub of bubbles, then hopped into the shower stall next door. Once we were warm and dry in flannel pj's, I settled down to write.

Since I didn't have an immediate idea for a blog entry today, I began perusing a book on writing that sometimes generates ideas. As I pondered what to write, out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly spied shadows on my ceiling. Stripes of shadows. No, more like stripes of water. Probably running along the beams in the attic. Oh. My. Goodness! Not more water damage to my house. Since last November, this will be my third water repair, each time due to a different problem. Once, the upstairs A.C. drip pan cracked, leaking to my downstairs laundry room/pantry. Then, my dishwasher line cracked. I didn't realize the problem until the surrounding cabinets were so saturated, they could hold no more water.

Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Our readers depend on us to create suspense in our stories. Beth Vogt promises Double Take, the debut novel by Jenness Walker, startled her so badly when someone snuck up on her that she tossed the book across the room. Great tension, Jenness! But in my real life, enough is enough! I'd like to make a motion to keep bad surprises confined to the pages of my fiction for awhile. Do I hear a second, anyone?

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Check the Tone of Your Writing Voice

2010-09-05T00:00:00.021-06:00

“We often refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us.”—Friedrich Nietzsche

Just like Spell Check…but for Tone

The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2006 revealed that studies show e-mail messages are interpreted incorrectly 50% of the time. ToneCheck™, an e-mail plug-in, flags sentences with words or phrases that may convey unintended emotion or tone, then helps you re-write them.

Tone influences what we say to communicate the right message. However, when we write, our tone leaves room for misunderstanding. ToneCheck™, an emotional spell-check, is an add-in for Microsoft Outlook How can a writer can use this to critique an article? Copy and paste your article into an email.

Features:

Avoid wasted time editing.
Prevent unnecessary conflict.
Bypass sending passive aggressive emails.
Works like the spell check.
Gauges words and phrases against eight levels of connotative feeling.
Identifies the emotional definition of words and phrases to improve the clarity.
Provides suggestions to tone down or ‘lighten’ potentially rude or emotionally-charged sentences.
Allows writers to make real-time corrections.
Provides an easy-to-use menu system to adjust tone.
Works in Microsoft Outlook.
Will soon expand to facilitate users of Gmail, Thunderbird, and Mail.app.
FREE and downloadable.

Be An Encouragement!

2010-09-02T12:23:00.007-06:00

I got an unexpected email today from a family friend. He's not someone I normally correspond with. I mean, we've never exchanged a text, a letter, or a Christmas card. We aren't Facebook friends or phone buddies. Our families just happen to be friends and he had to ask for my address from one of them.

Apparently, a chance conversation between us lingered in his mind. He wrote to encourage me about our discussion. His words poured like water on parched land. I soaked them up and read them again. The power of the written word is that I was able to do that, to savor his thoughts.

Years ago, when people corresponded by letters, many of them saved their mail. My grandmother cherished her letters and never threw one away. She was buried with all the letters my grandfather ever wrote to her. There was an art to letter writing that has been largely ignored today. And that's a shame. My friend brightened my day when he sent those thoughtful words.

The New Testament is filled with exhortations to encourage one another. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, "Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another."

How many times have you thought of praising someone only you got too busy and never followed through? How many times have you brushed aside good intentions?

While you're pursuing publication, don't let a daily word count cause you to forget to encourage the people in your sphere of influence. Don't get so caught up with the people (characters) who only live inside your head that you fail to encourage those you live or work with. Write words to personally inspire those you love and admire.

~Roxanne Sherwood

A bit of writing humor

2010-09-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Photo from lolcats.com

My daughter Amy shared this photo with me, knowing both the editor and writer in me would appreciate it.
And now, I share it with you.
A mid-week dose of humor! Happy Wednesday!

A Full Mind and a Blank Writing Slate

2010-08-30T10:30:00.002-06:00

“The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”—Vladimir Nabokov

My writing slate today is blank for this blog. A chapter I’m writing consumes my creativity and my mind. One quote “Birds fly because they think they can” started my creative process churning. The first 250 words of the chapter practically wrote themselves and then—nothing. Research about the specific bird featured in this chapter generated no creative ideas. Not one. Even the Bible verses seem obtuse. Yet, like talons gripping its prey, the topic refused to release me from its grip.

I wondered, How do I employ this bird’s spiritual and physical characteristics in a fresh way to apply a spiritual truth? Much of what I researched or read about the bird in question sounded trite or dull, at least to me.

I began by re-saving my research into a new document. I highlighted fascinating ideas or thoughts that grabbed my heart and deleted uninteresting information. Then I listed seven possible talking points. In the dark of the night, one talking point woke me up with a spiritual application that amazed me.

At times clarifying an idea into thoughts into writable prose moves forward at glacial speed and other times it speeds along at Mach 1, faster than the speed of typing fingers. If only we could patent Mach 1 Ink that penetrates our mind at the speed of light.

Contest Winner: Reba won the copy of Susan May Warren's latest book, Licensed for Trouble.

Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren (Two contests for you to enter!)

2010-08-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

I've been a fan of author Susan May Warren's PJ Sugar series from the get-go. I'm thrilled to say she didn't disappoint me in book three, Licensed for Trouble, the final installment in the series. It's so satisfying when an author starts a series strong and finishes it so masterfully with both humor and spiritual insights.
All the questions that were left unanswered from the first two books--Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble--get answered, with a few unexpected surprises thrown in.
Do you find out what the initials PJ stand for? Yep.
Do you find out who PJ chooses--Boone, the man from her past or Jeremy, the man who helps her see herself in a whole new way? Yep.
Does PJ get into all sorts of trouble? Well, of course she does. And along the way she dresses up as a hotdog and a turkey--I'm not kidding you!--tries to catch a bail jumper, discovers she's inherited a mansion and tries to help a handyman regain his memory.
It's life PJ Sugar style, written with Susie's flair for humor. You hate to finish the book, no matter that you're smiling because PJ's managed to overcome her self-doubts and embrace her future--and find love with the right guy. (But I'm not saying who he is!) When I got to the end, I kept returning to my favorite scenes again and again.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Licensed for Trouble! And check out Susie's contest too for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with her PJ Sugar Series.

Enter PJ Sugar's "Sweet" Giveaway:

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)

The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 2nd.

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Licensed for Trouble here!

What Are You Willing to Give Up?

2010-08-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

A young mother of two-year-old twins wanted to start a home-based business. She decided to put everything aside for a season, except for the responsibilities of caring for her young family. Having toddler twins, she'd already given up hobbies. What else could be cut from an already full schedule in order to give her business room to grow? She examined her daily and weekly schedule, then made changes to her lifestyle. She whittled down meal preparation to a minimum by rotating two weekly menus. Her husband didn't mind because she'd chosen some easy favorites. She completely stopped entertaining and didn't accept invitations. She literally didn't do anything more than take care of her family and concentrate on her career. In time, her children thrived and so did the business. Once she made a decent profit, she hired help. With a little more free time, she began finding balance and adding back into her life some of the things she'd given up, like entertaining.

For our large family, dining out was a rare luxury. My husband would eat cheaply on his business trips, then treat us to pizza with the money he'd saved. Today, with half the family working and attending college, I don't feed as many kiddos. So pizza has become standard fare for the younger boys. But I don't mind giving up preparing a home-cooked meal once a week. Not at all. That's one sacrifice I make gladly.

I don't enjoy cleaning my house but I really appreciate a neat environment. In the past, friends would look around my home and say, "Wow. You've got seven kids, yet it's so clean." I really liked the "wow." Prided myself on it, in fact. But think of all the books that might have been written, if I'd cleaned a little less, written a bit more. Well, no one says "wow" about the house today. And that's okay by me. I'm holding out for the potential some day to hear a "wow" about a book I've written.

Now, my youngest child attends preschool a few hours each day. Like nearly everyone in our fast-paced society, a long list of demands could easily fill those hours. But I refuse to use that premium writing time to de-clutter or organize my home. My motto of "work before play" meant I'd always cleaned house, then if I had time to spare, I'd write. Writing was merely a hobby I hoped would become my vocation. I must view writing as my work. So I need to take my job seriously and cut out the things--besides taking care of my family or my relationship with God--that prevent me from reaching my dream of publication.

No one reaches success in sports or business without great sacrifices of time, money, or even relationships. These decisions aren't made lightly. Yet, every day, we decide how dedicated we are about writing when we choose how to spend our time.

What hinders your writing? What changes can you to make? What are you willing sacrifice to make your dreams come true?

~Roxanne Sherwood

Finding Time to Write: Time Management or Mind Management?

2010-08-23T09:09:00.002-06:00

“Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment.” —Iara Gassen

Two members new to a critique group asked, “Can we talk about time management?” Since the last meeting they had not found time to write. Their question made me wonder, “Is writing about time or mind management?”

In our critique group meeting we brainstormed the topic from life distracts us from writing to listing specific ways to write regularly. One member suggested that certain personality types cannot put words to paper until they’ve mulled over what they want to write and it’s perfect. Others just go for it and spill words all over the page.

Are You a Spiller or a Muller?

Being a spiller, not a muller, her observation never occurred to me. My thoughts spill out over napkins, notepads, journals, empty, torn bill envelopes, church bulletins, tithe envelopes, deposit slips—anything at hand to corral my thoughts, lest I loose them. I sleep with my computer beside my bed. I often wake in the night or at dawn with that perfect idea, sentence or paragraph spilling out of my mind. It’s just dying to be captured before escaping my memory forever.

Sometimes I think writers wait for their muse to show up. Seth Godin wrote in his blogpost Finding Inspiration Instead of It Finding You: “One approach to innovation and brainstorming is to wait for the muse to appear, to hope that it alights on your shoulder, to be ready to write down whatever comes to you. The other is to seek it out, will it to appear, train it to arrive on time and on command."

My take on Godin’s suggestion? Waiting for the muse to arrive plays into writer’s fright, giving us an excuse not to write. Sitting down and writing challenges our fears, training our muse to show up on command.

Once upon a time, my writing life and muse was mañana. My writing theme song? “Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow! You're always a day a way!” The mañana mindset stole away my writing life today. That’s when I decided to start Inkspired. I needed a critique group to hold me accountable. Being deadline driven, I also wanted regular critique deadlines to motivate me to sit down and write. At that time, I worked in a corporate setting. By the time I drove home, fixed dinner, cleaned up, and relaxed, I felt too exhausted to write. I decided to stay after work and exhaust myself writing and email the document to myself. As I dropped into bed, I’d read what I wrote.

Now that I write everyday on purpose, my mind mulls over what I’m writing while I conduct my daily routines of laundry, cleaning, gardening, cooking, and face the ups and downs of life. When mind management kicks in, does time management become less of an obstacle to writing regularly?

Figuring People Out: Birth Order and Your Characters

2010-08-20T09:10:00.005-06:00

Photo by surely/stockxchange.com

So, there's a new man in my life and I can't figure him out.
Sure, he's just imaginary--the hero for my new work in progress (WIP). But it's driving me crazy that I can't nail his personality. Who is this guy?!
I've chatted about him in my critique group. I've even talked to my husband about him, if you can believe that!
This week I pulled out my dog-eared workbook from last year's MBT Storycrafter's Retreat. One thing bestselling author Susan May Warren suggests is to interview your character. During the interview, ask your character, "Who are you?" Keep asking why they do the things they do until you get to their motivations and values.
Okay. I've gotten over the listening to/talking back to the voices in my head thing that fiction writers do.
As I tried to get my guy--his name is Caleb--to tell me who he is, I realized he's a firstborn son. Aha! Time to do some research on birth order.
Dr. Kevin Leman wrote probably the best known book on birth order: The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are.
Basically, the birth order theory states that your position in your family--firstborn, middle child, youngest--influences your personality. What does birth order mean for Caleb, who is a firstborn son--and, for all intents and purposes, an only child? (I'm not telling you anything more because it will give away my story. Curious?)
Traits of Firstborn Children:

confident
organized
tend to be selfish
feel as though they are never good enough (hhhmm, interesting!)
want things their way
reliable
"grin and bear it" mentality
perfectionists
logical

One website I checked out, The Effects of Birth Order on Personality, even suggested that firstborns gravitated to jobs in law, medicine, computer programming or architecture. That doesn't mean that Caleb's going to be a doctor or a lawyer, but it's given me some things to think about.

Next time you're trying to understand a character in your WIP, ask him or her, "What's your family like? Are you the oldest or the youngest?" Then do a little research on birth order--and weave that information into the story.

Birth Order (Child Development Institute)
Birth Order (Wikipedia)
The Power of Birth Order (Time magazine)

Watch Liu Wei - Armless Pianist - on China's Got Talent

2010-08-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

This young man inspired me so much I had to share his story with you. Watch Lui Wei's perfect performance of "Marriage D'amour" on China's Got Talent 8/8/2010.

An elementary ed major had an assignment designed to give aspiring teachers an appreciation for a child's difficulty with fine motor skills. Her task was to tie a length of string into a bow using only her feet. I witnessed her success but couldn't tie a bow myself. Now, looking at those same feet, I can't imagine playing the piano with them. Why, I can't imagine teaching myself to play the piano with my hands.

Lui Wei, 23, who lost his arms in an electrical accident at age ten, taught himself to play the piano after a teacher told him he'd never succeed. But Lui Wei didn't even begin playing until he was nineteen. (One site reported he started playing at eighteen.) One of the judges asks about abrasions and cramping. Can you imagine the pain in his back and neck from sitting in that position? The pain of flexing his toes over and over, hitting the wrong keys, stretching for the right ones? It's mind boggling. This incredibly brave, determined, talented young man performs the seemingly impossible, yet makes it possible.

On her blog, Reality Rocks, Lyndsey Parker offered a somewhat better translation of Lui Wei's closing remarks. "For people like me, there were only two options. One was to abandon all dreams, which would lead to a quick, hopeless death. The other was to struggle without arms to live an outstanding life."

I'm grateful Lui chose the second one.

Beginning today, let us practice our craft like never before. Let us no longer squander our writing time with distractions. Let us not be deterred from pressing on toward our goals. May our stories inspire others. May each one of us live a wonderful life.

~Roxanne Sherwood

Blog Tour Book Review: Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad—a style guide for every woman

2010-08-15T23:00:00.004-06:00

Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad—a style guide for every woman

Author: Shari Braendel

Publisher: Zondervan

Paperback: 208 pages

ISBN-10: 031032601X

ISBN-13: 978-0310326014

Zondervon provided a free copy of Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad—a style guide for every woman for me to review. Whether you are a teen or grandma or size 0 or size 26, this book is a quick, fun read. The color pictures show real people, not airbrushed, photoshopped, scary-skinny models, to illustrate body types and what looks good on each body type. No matter your body type, discover basic information and practical tips to feel great about yourself, your clothes, and your accessories.

This Book Features:

Body type/colors: Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad starts with the basics—know your body type and colors to help you determine what looks good on you.

Tip: Black could make you look older.

Accessories: Develop your personal style fashionista.

Tip: If you’re tiny don’t wear oversized accessories, they make you look smaller. If you are large, don’t wear tiny accessories, they make you look bigger.

Undergarments: From bras to panties to shapemakers, this book offers practical tips regarding fit, color coordination, and care of your undies.

Tip: Every 12-18 months get a professional fitting for a bra.

Bathing Suits: The author offers bathing suit suggestions for each body type, plus swimsuit accessory tips.

Tip: Your swimsuit is one size larger than your dress size.

Hair and Makeup: She provides dos and don’ts for hairstyles, color, and glasses. Depending on what colors look good on you she suggests colors for lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara that look best on you.

Tip: If you haven’t received a compliment on your hair, you need a new hairstyle.

Jeans: This chapter discusses the back pockets, cuts, and rise of jeans for different body types, plus shopping tips to find the perfect jean to fit your body type.

Tip: Measure the length of the zipper which determines the rise ( super low-rise, low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise) of the jeans.

Hit the Mall: Stop, Drop and Shop: The author provides great tips to declutter your wardrobe of unwearables. Then lists twelve must-haves basics, plus other seasonal basics. She also provides a shopping guide for your personal fashionista style.

Tip: No impulse buying. Shop on purpose.

Skin Isn’t In: This chapter offers a great discussion on modesty and how showing busts and bellies impacts the thoughts of men.

Since I’m in declutter mode, I’m anxious to follow Shari's useful tips to determine the unwearables in my closet. Can't wait to donate my castoffs to my favorite thrift store.

Interested in a Fashion Makeover Contest?

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Complete and submit the entry form at www.FashionMeetsFaith.com, Shari Braendel FaceBook page, Zondervan FaceBook page, Zondervan Twitter account between August 9, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. (EST) and August 28, 2010 at 5:00 p.m (EST).

First Prize: One Winner will receive one $500 Visa gift card, one web camera, one-hour fashion consultation with Shari Braendel via Skype, one set of color swatches, and one autographed copy of Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad. Approximate retail value: $600. The fashion consultation will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the winner and Ms. Braendel on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between September 15 and November 15, 2010.

Second Prize: Three Winners will receive ene $100 Visa gift card, one 30-minute fashion consultation with Shari Braendel via telephone, one set of color swatches, and one autographed copy of Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad. Approximate retail value: $450. The fashion consultation will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the winner and Ms. Braendel on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between September 15 and November 15, 2010.

Third Prize: Ten Winners will receive one autographed copy of Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad. Approximate retail value $150.

Check out Shari Braendel’s Website.

Enter the Fashion Makeover Contest.

Read Shari Braendel’s Blog. http://fashionmeetsfaith.com/speakers_blog.html

Become friends with Shari Braendel on Facebook.

Follow Shari Braendel on Twitter.

Read other blogger reviews of Shari’s book.

Spanx, anyone?

2010-08-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Photo by jarpur/stockxchange.com

Most women I know want to fit effortlessly into their clothes, with nary a ripple or bump marring their longed-for sleek silhouettes.

And while most women I know may not admit it, we've probably all resorted to Spanx--a little manufactured assistance to smooth out our tummies, torsos and tushes.

The reality is, sometimes we have to face the reflection in our mirrors and accept some help.

Which brings me to editors.

Most writers I know want to write effortlessly, with nary a misspelling or incomplete sentence or confusing thought marring their manuscripts.

But we need to admit that we need help to polish our work in progress (WIP). And we need to realize that editors are not The Enemy.

I'm working with a writer who has a great book idea. She also has some insecurities--don't we all--and was hesitant to show me her writing. We weren't going to see a whole lot of forward motion if I never saw anything she wrote.

So, I told her to think of me like Spanx. As an editor, I'm here to smooth out the bumps and ripples in her manuscript. I'm here to make her look good--to make her look better than she thought she could look.

The "editorial Spanx" analogy got a good laugh, which released some tension. But, humorous or not, there's a truth that both editors and writers need to remember: An editor should accent the positive, while helping a writer smooth out the rough spots in their writing.

"Grab Your Gear"

2010-08-10T13:15:00.014-06:00

The parent of any preschooler knows their son or daughter can't go to bed alone. These tots don't watch NCIS like I do--though they may enjoy reruns in a decade or so--and they haven't heard Special Agent Gibbs say, "Grab your gear." But young children need the bedtime ritual of grabbing all the gear they'll need to take the sometimes scary journey into dreamland.

My nephew's gear consisted of a stack of books and a flashlight. My oldest son needed a certain small pillow and a pacifier. The second child required a blanket to accompany his thumb a la Linus. However, my youngest has taken the concept to a whole 'nother level.

Four-year-old Peter's bedtime gear includes a menagerie of stuffed friends. As an infant, he began sleeping with a blue, puppy-faced blankie. As he started crawling, he added a tan, brown, and white, floppy-eared pup. As a toddler, he permanently borrowed his older brother's birthday present--a humongous dog, whose body has so little stuffing, it's barely more than a dog-skinned rug with a fluffy head and fat feet. Those same feet poke into my back at night, tricking me into thinking they're parts of Peter. I lay in uncomfortable positions, afraid to move for fear of rolling onto my child or at least waking him. Morning finds me illogically glaring at the stupid inanimate object for ruining my sleep. No use whining on my part as Big Dog is a keeper. Though larger than Peter, my son valiantly carries Big Dog up or down the stairs like a victorious hunter. But Peter's preference isn't exclusive to canines. He's also attached to Chip and especially Dale, whose red nose and tuft of hair makes him a favorite. As if the bed wasn't already crowded, Mickey Mouse is a new permanent addition. Others animals come and go on a whim. Tonight, Owl has a place too.

What's this story got to do with writing, besides giving me a chance to share a really cute photo of my child? Well, the back-to-school sales have me itching to stock up on writing gear. Are my highlighters dry and need replacing? Don't I need colored index cards for scenes for my wip? Look at those Sharpies. Can I justify more pens, notebooks, and binder clips? Aspiring-writer Lisa Jordan has admitted an addiction to Post-It Notes. I find them hard to resist too.

What gear do you need before you begin to write? Please share your favorites. You just may give me an idea of what to buy next time I peruse the office supply aisle.

~Roxanne Sherwood

Shakespalin and Our Cultural Dictionary

2010-08-09T10:39:00.004-06:00

“Shakespeare liked to coin new words, too.” Sarah Palin’s tweet after tweeting to her Twitterati followers the non-word “refudiate.”

Sarah Palin isn’t the only person with new words on her lips or tweets. When Beth Vogt coined 'mommy-come-lately' for a late-in-life mom, I thought, how creative. If you want to keep up with creative use of words, a Chicago ad agency Cramer-Krasselt has created The Cultural Dictionary.

And here are a few creative words from The Cultural Dictionary.

This is what a publisher wants from writers before they offer a contract to publish our books—TRIBALIZED FANDOM: Declared Devotion to Entertainment Icons

MANUFACTROVERSY: (n.) A “manufactured controversy” based on false or misleading allegations, which subsequently dominates news cycles and takes on a quality of “truth” as growing numbers of people believe it.

CYBERSECUTION: (n.) A campaign of mocking or attacking a targeted group, usually religious, through hacking their social media profiles and groups. (e.g., 4chan hacked Christian groups’ social media, dating sites and email in August 20

PREHAB: (n.) An increasing phenomenon among celebrities of claiming to enter rehab for “preventive” purposes rather than actual problems.

CROWD-MOURNING: (n.) Collective mourning across social media that marks the death of a celebrity, especially seen in cases of Michael Jackson and Billy Mays.

STUFFALANCHE: (n.) The overwhelming experience of accumulating too much stuff.

CAREGASM: (n.) Pretending to care and share the same heightened enthusiasm when in a conversation with someone who is passionate about a cause or belief that you don’t really care about.

SAR-CHASM: (n.) The awkward divide between one who is sarcastic and another who lacks in understanding.

SINDIFFERENCE: Shrugging Off Scandals. Despite the new era of responsibility, bad behavior and scandals continue. After seeing so many long-respected people, organizations and companies caught red-handed, people are no longer surprised when they hear about bad behavior. But what is new is how we are dealing with bad behavior. We expect those who have acted badly to step up and admit to their actions. While at the same time, the thirst to know more about the lurid details of the offender exists, and the mainstream media does its best to deliver. And while bad behavior is broadcast, it isn’t celebrated; it is scrutinized and held up as a path not to take.

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE: Growing Dependence on Digital Living. As people continue to invest more personal time in online activities and as new location-based social media innovations are introduced, it’s clear that the line between our physical and virtual worlds is quickly fading. Digital features are increasingly becoming embedded in our everyday lives, advancing our ability to communicate and connect. The world around us is a growing digital playground with the promise of new realities and opportunities. In the coming year, geosocial innovations will move beyond mere games and add meaningful value to our lives.

BLAME-SHARING: Wall Street, Main Street, My Street. Echoing Americans’ frustration with political leaders, the U.S. economic leaders in both the public and private sector have come under scrutiny and blame for the nation’s ills. And while anger still exists, some of us are asking, “Did we contribute to this?” and now are looking inside ourselves to find causes and solutions for our ailing economy. Rather than simply point fingers, moving forward, Americans are seeking innovative ways to get the most out of their money and their lives.

What descriptive words have you made up in your writing?

Not Writing At All

2010-08-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Photo by luzdesigns/stockXchange.com

As I was getting ready for our family vacation, I announced to my kids, "I'm not taking the laptop. I'm unplugging from the Internet for the week."
My eldest daughter looked at me and asked, "So you're not going to write at all?"
Silence.
I had to think about that for a moment.
"Well, I'm not working . . . "
Skepticism shadowed my daughter's eyes.
Was I backtracking?
Not really.
I am a writer, after all.
And, yes, I am on vacation. (I wrote and scheduled this post before I left.)
But I can't shut my writer's brain down completely even when I'm poolside. What if I get an absolutely marvelous must-write-it-down idea for my next story? What if a stunning snippet of dialogue plays out in my head? What if an article idea starts perking while I'm strolling through the surf or floating along the lazy river?
So I compromised.
"Well, I'll probably take along some pen and paper. Just in case I want to scribble down some thoughts. That's not really writing."
My kids smiled at me, as if to say, "We knew you couldn't go cold turkey."
Guilty as charged.
So, yes, I'm on vacation. I'm not writing . . . much.

Responsibility and Creativity

2010-08-05T11:10:00.012-06:00

Galatians 6 from The Message:

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

Hope these words speak to you today. ~Roxanne Sherwood

Writing Pitfalls

2010-07-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

When I talk with other writers, we often commiserate about how many things keep us from writing. Things like work. Or family--which I realize isn't a thing. Or other priorities like sleeping or exercising or paying bills or buying groceries or doing the laundry . . .
You get the idea.
Then I ran across a Writer's Digest online column: The Top 10 Productivity Pitfalls for Writers to Avoid. When you do have time to write, how do you make sure you're not wasting your time?
Sage Cohen compiled a list of time wasters, including:

Fear - "When we let fear prevent us from taking steps that could bring our writing dreams closer, we limit our opportunities to succeed,"Cohen said. I blogged about "writer's fright over at MBT Ponderers.
Shabby systems - I'm more of a "pile-r" than a "file-r", so I know what Cohen's talking about when she said you limit yourself when you can't find the latest draft of your essay or you can't remember where you scribbled down that great idea.
Perfectionism - My desk may be messy, but I like my writing to be perfect. But there comes a time to say, "This is good to go"--and release your . I'm practicing what I'm preaching by sending my manuscript to my agent--finally! Forget perfect. I like how Cohen puts it: "Focus, instead, on professionalism—doing the best you can, learning along the way, and understanding that mistakes and failures feed every success."

Check out Cohen's list of pitfalls. What one's are you most likely to fall into?

I Wish It Was This Easy To Be Creative

2010-07-28T08:35:00.008-06:00

But, sadly, it's not.

Writer Teri Dawn Smith recently wrote of her brainstorming technique using a letter cube like the one in the Scattergories game or by choosing a tile from a Scrabble game. When she needs "a new idea, a creative detail or even a solution to a problem," Teri says it's amazing what happens when she rolls that cube and a random letter pops up. Brainstorming with that letter lifts her "out of a rut."

Critically-acclaimed Author Steven James does the opposite of brainstorming. He limits himself to foster creativity. For example, hasn't this scenario played in your home?

"Where do you want to go to dinner?"

"I don't know. Where do you want to go?"

When nearly all the restaurants in town are possibilities, the conversation could continue for the next thirty minutes without reaching concrete dinner plans, leaving family members grumpy and hungry. A quicker result would be found if the choices were limited. "Do you want steaks, Italian, or pizza?"

James suggests limiting the choices aids creativity. He asks two questions. What would the character naturally do in this scene? How can I make things go worse? His goal is to drive the story by putting the character into an impossible situation.

The next time you're stuck and wonder what happens next, try brainstorming as Teri suggests or ask James' two questions. Either way, you're sure to be "unstuck" and making progress toward typing those magical words "the end."

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Does Crisis Enrich Your Writing?

2010-07-26T10:31:00.010-06:00

"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity."—Robert F. Kennedy.

When crisis strikes my heart, my writing voice magnifies. Pain and frustration squirts my innards all over the page. Without afflictions it’s too easy to write what everyone thinks and feels, but is afraid to say. The danger of life’s disasters or dilemmas?

The temptation to not write.

Don’t Waste a Crisis—Write

These quotes by writers reveal why hard times strips away the veneer of our façade to reveal moments of great truth in response to catastrophe, change or impasse.

"It is the depth of the crisis that empowers hope. The power of turning, that radically changes the situation never reveals itself outside of crisis."—Martin Buber

"Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging." —Joseph Campbell

"The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life." —Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

"We only think when we are confronted with a problem." —John Dewey

"When a man is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something." —Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater our vital resources are than we had supposed." —William James

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." —M. Scott Peck

"In time of crisis, we summon up our strength. Then, if we are lucky, we are able to call every resource, every forgotten image that can leap to our quickening, every memory that can make us know our power." —Muriel Rukeyser

"Don't fret when your equilibrium is upset; it may be just the motivation you need to grow."—Dr. Mardy Grothe

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 12:1–5 (NASB)

Book Review: The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul & Evangeline Denmark

2010-07-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today I have a guest to review the book, The Dragon and the Turtle, by bestselling author Donita K. Paul and up-and-coming author Evangeline Denmark. I read the book to my daughter Christa and she's going to review the book!

So, Christa, did you like The Dragon and the Turtle?
I liked the book a lot.

What did you like about the book?
I liked both the story of Padraig and Roger and the artwork too.

Did you have a favorite part in the story?
There's so many good parts to choose from. I liked the personality of Roger and Padraig--they are fun. And I like the cookie recipe in the back of the book for Chocolate Chip Snappers. We're gonna make those, right?

Did you like having the book read aloud to you?
Yes, because I like listening to you read to me.

Would you read this book again?
Yes, I would! And I'd read it to someone else too--especially someone younger than me.

Note from Christa's mom (me!): Originally, after I invited Christa to review the book for me--and explained what that meant--I handed her the book to read. And then I thought, This is a read-aloud book! So, Christa and I snuggled on the couch while I read the adventures of a little lost turtle and a very helpful red dragon. It was fun to share the story with my daughter and to hear her giggles. And, yes, we are going to make the Chocolate Chip Snappers!

Dialogue Webinar with James Scott Bell

2010-07-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Writer's Digest is offering a live webinar with bestselling author James Scott Bell this Thursday, July 22, at 5 PM (EST). Focused on dialogue, the webinar will teach you:

The 8 Essentials of Great Dialogue
The 12 Tools for Creating Dazzling Talk
Where to put dialogue in your novel queries, synopses, or other proposal materials

The 75 minute webinar costs $49 and includes a live Q&A time.

Writer's Digest has a variety of on-demand webinars you can order. Topics include:

What Do I Do with Critique Feedback?

2010-07-18T18:01:00.023-06:00

“Like brewing a proper cup of English tea, take feedback and give it time to “steep.” When it tastes right, add the feedback to your manuscript.”—Scoti Springfield Domeij

Handling the Truth—Or Not

Susan* dropped into one of my writing critique groups. She sent her first draft composed that day for a critique three days before our meeting on Saturday—eleven days past the submission deadline.

Susan’s deadline to submit her story to the publisher? Said Saturday—midnight.
My first gut instinct? Just edit the story and return it to her. It was a wonderful story with a strong ending. All it really needed? A stronger hook, some editorial tweaks, replace repeated words, and change passive verbs to active verbs. I resisted the urge. However, since she had a deadline, I spent four hours to offer a detailed critique of her story.

One of our submission rules includes that the first person who submits by the deadline, receives their critique first. Any manuscripts arriving after the deadline, receives a critique in the order sent—if there is time.

On Saturday, I moved the critiques along to make time to critique Susan’s manuscript. She attacked the first person providing legitimate feedback. Her body language, tone of voice and verbiage? Defensive. Contemptuous. Angry.
While we critiqued the first three manuscripts, I had watched Susan, hoping she’d observe the first three critiques to recognize the process. Susan didn’t. And we didn’t treat her manuscript with any less care than we treated everyone else’s. The next person, one of our strongest critiquer’s, offered valuable feedback. Susan went into aggressive mode again, attacking the critiquer and arguing every point.

I was shocked, felt sick and embarrassed for her. How could anyone behave this way with people she really didn’t know? It would take me years before I’d be comfortable enough with someone to act like that. I’d reacted that way when I discovered my husband’s continuing unfaithfulness.
The critiquer calmly requested that Susan wait until the critique was finished before responding, giving me courage. My arms automatically raised, palms out. I said, “Wait a minute.”

Susan’s response and treatment of others in the group was way out of bounds. I explained the role of a critique group, a critiquer and the person receiving a critique. She calmed down, took the critiques home, and worked on the rough draft she thought was darn near perfect.

Late in the afternoon she called, “Can I email my story using your Internet access?” I agreed. She said, “This doesn’t sound like my story anymore.”
After 11:30 PM she arrived on my doorstep. I got her submission emailed by the midnight deadline, but not before she said, “Oh, I don’t know if I saved my story to my thumb drive.” After she left, I re-read her submission. She Frankensteined in every edit, suggestion and comment offered by every critiquer, plus doctored her manuscript with personal changes.

She was right: It didn’t sound like her story. And I felt terrible.

What Did I Learn?

I love encouraging others to pursue their writing passion and hone their skills. However, my strength in this situation was also my weakness. I offered access to the group, when the best response would have been to set a boundary to protect Susan and the group. I confronted myself, What do I need to learn from this experience?

Firm boundaries and agreeing upon mutual objectives prevent unnecessary conflict. I don’t know what assumptions Susan held about what to expect. And her attitude and behavior didn't live up to my expectations. However, I made a number of mistakes, some of which include:

Accepting Susan’s manuscript past the deadline. (Hey, our group members already offered grace to each other, why not Susan?)
Responding to the urgency of Susan’s deadline without any regard for our group’s submission deadline.
Sending Susan’s work to members for critique without giving Susan adequate orientation.
Not allowing time for Susan to build trust with group members.
Offering a critique with no commitment from Susan to our critique group or our agreed-upon purpose.
Not closing our group to new members without identifying their interest and commitment.

Confront immediately. I looked back over the critique groups I’ve participated in where conflict arose. I realized that the first time one person treated another group member with anger, disrespect and contempt, we let it slide hoping it was a one-time event. When it continued we gently approached the person offering a kind, grace-filled Matthew 18 confrontation. If the person does not respond and continues in the group, expect bad feelings and confusion to fester, breed and disrupt the group’s goals.

Recognize—sooner rather than later—who is NOT ready to participate in a critique group. Someone in denial or struggling with personal issues—unresolved anger or past abuse, inability to trust others, controlling behaviors, prickly, insolent personality, or destructive communication patterns—may be too emotionally wounded to accept constructive feedback. And if someone is not mature enough to receive a critique, group members need to honestly evaluate, “Is this person ready to participate in a critique group?” Sound harsh? It’s not. A person not-quite-ready-for-prime-critique-time can destroy the critique group’s morale and even kill the group.

Protect your group. Up until this point, before Susan's not-so-grand entrance, our critique group’s interaction? Incredible. Harmonious. Positive. Everyone wanted to learn, work on their craft, and encourage each other. The members appreciated feedback from the group and respected each other. I could not allow one person to destroy our camaraderie. I reached out to Susan. She rejected getting together one-on-one and further attempts to connect were met with excuses. She didn’t return to our group.

Not every person’s feedback is gospel. It’s important to let new critique group members or beginning writers know that feedback strikes at your deepest insecurities. It takes time before a newbie recognizes what feedback to incorporate into a manuscript. You gain confidence about what changes to make, when you realize your writing weaknesses, identify the different strengths critique members offer and trust their feedback.

One Last Comment

Whether or not you incorporate someone’s feedback into your piece or it fits your voice, it’s important to be grateful. Be thankful that others care enough about your success to invest their time and input into your writing.

Check out Inkygirl.com

2010-07-16T07:15:00.007-06:00

I like a good laugh. If you can make me laugh, odds are we're gonna be friends. And if you can somehow make me laugh about something writing related, well, we'll be friends for life.
One day I hope to meet Debbie Ridpath Ohi in person. If she's half as funny in person as she is on paper, I'm going to buy her a BFF bracelet.
Check out the InkyGirl website for more fun comics, blogposts and videos! And have a great weekend!

Oh! One more thing: Roxanne's got a great post about pondering, er, prewriting over at MBT Ponderers.

Writing to Music, or Not?

2010-07-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

Everything about my writing habits are changing. Schedule. Location. Even a new work-in-progress. I'm used to writing in the late hours of the night when my younger children are asleep and the house has gone quiet. There aren't many visual distractions, and no one cares if I mouth bits of dialogue, trying them on my tongue as I test them on the page.

After parenting for 23 years, I've finally gotten what I've long yearned for--the opportunity to claim a few hours during the day as my very own. But, unless I want to waste half of the time driving from school to home and back again, I'll need to learn to write in public venues like Starbucks and the library. It's going to be eerie writing while surrounded by people. I've mastered editing during my kids' many activities, but composing new material is a whole 'nother animal. To avoid visual distractions, I'll look for corner tables and sit with my back to the public. Maybe it's time to end the silence and try writing to music.

Multi-published, Award-winning Author Francine Rivers requires background noise as she writes, whether from her busy family when her children were young or a blaring television. But she prefers to write to music and uses it to set the scene. For example, when Rivers was writing The Last Sin Eater, she listened to a lot of Appalachian music. While writing Her Mother's Hope, set during World War II, she listened to swing dancing and big band music. She also likes sound tracks, including the music from Troy.

I can't imagine writing as I listen to anything with lyrics. I guess I'm afraid snippets of songs will find there way into my novel. My new wip will incorporate show tunes, so I'll listen to several soundtracks. But I plan to listen when I'm traveling in the car, doing housework, and working out--not while I'm writing. But I bought a white-noise CD with the sounds of the ocean to break my vow of silence.

Do you listen to music as you write? Does it set the scene for you? If so, what type of music works best for you?

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Write. Fight. Tight. Right?

2010-07-12T05:59:00.001-06:00

“Mental fight means thinking against the current, not with it. It is our business to puncture gas bags and discover the seeds of truth.” —Virginia Woolf

Has anyone noticed? Everywhere people fight. Religious fights and in fighting. Cultural fights. National fights. Political fights. Tribal fights. Family fights. Internet anonymous posting fights. Even people in critique groups fight.

The Talmud tells a story about two Torah study partners—Rabbi Yochanan and his study partner Reish Lakish. For years they studied Torah together. Reish Lakish’s death sent Rabbi Yochanan into a deep depression.

People asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you sad?”

“My study partner died and now I have no study partner.”

To console the Rabbi, his friends found him a brilliant, young scholar to be his new study partner.

Not long after, Rabbi Yochanan’s friends noticed he was still depressed.

His friends again asked, “Why are you sad? We found you a brilliant study partner. What’s the problem?”

“My brilliant study partner tells me twenty-four ways that I’m correct. When I studied with Reish Lakish, he showed me twenty-four ways that I was wrong. And that’s what I miss. I don’t want a study partner who agrees with me. I want someone who challenges and questions me.”

To know the value of your ideas and writing, a critique group offers a safe place to receive straight, honest feedback. Critique groups provide a focus group where writers test-market their writing. If someone doesn’t understand your point or plot or even disagrees with your viewpoints, valuable feedback helps you to better communicate with future readers.

However, it’s important to choose your critique partners carefully. Opening yourself to the ideas and feedback of others taps into your deepest insecurities. You need people who balance positive affirmation with honest critiques. When mature critique partners disagree, they don’t argue, they discuss and at times agree to disagree.

Our critique partners inspire growth as a person and as a writer. My critique partners stimulate my creativity, expand my thinking, and push me to dig deep and be real with myself and in my writing. Best of all, they want my writing to be the best it can be.

Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader--and Now There's a Kobo!

2010-07-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

A few months back, my husband begged me to get a Kindle. He was tired of my multiple To Be Read (TBR) piles encroaching on our living space. Truth be told, I even had a mobile TBR pile on the front seat of my car.

I did some research about Kindle versus Sony Reader versus Nook , i.e. queried other writers. I also waited for the iPad to come out just in case I might want to go that route--and then remembered I am not a Mac person. (Gasp!) So, I settled on a Kindle.

I've got to say, I like this gizmo. Why? One word: convenience.

Now there's a new e-reader on the block: Borders is offering the Kobo e-reader.

I'm not having buyer's remorse. I'm just wondering how many more e-readers are going to pop up--and if one of them will tempt me away from my Kindle any time soon.

The Kobo costs all of $149 and it weighs all of 8 ounces. I'm pretty sure I've eaten a steak that weighed more than that. (I shared it with Rob!) My Kindle weighs only a couple ounces more, so I'm not overly-concerned. Borders touts the Kobo's quilted back--but that's not getting me too excited either.

It looks like navigating through to books and through books may be a bit easier on the Kobo than it is on the Kindle. But, I'm not a techie. This is just my initial observation.

So, here's the question: Do you own an e-reader? If so, which one? And why did you select that one?

And, yes, I realize that's three questions.

Staying Relevant

2010-07-07T05:31:00.007-06:00

My ancient home copy machine needed toner. In the scope of my day, buying toner was hardly a blip on the radar. Just another item on an already too-full list. But I needed toner for a Xerox machine, only I couldn't find any. Turns out, Office Depot, Office Max, and Best Buy, the only stores in my day's shopping radius, all carry toner for copy machines--just not Xerox copiers.

What happened? When did Xerox lose its market share? The word Xerox used to be synonymous with copies. Like Band-Aid and Kleenex, Xerox had to worry about its brand becoming a common noun. My machine is so reliable that after thirteen years I've only replaced one part. And it still makes clear copies. . . if it has toner. When did Xerox lose its relevance as a premier copier?

In writing, it's important to stay relevant too. I know a multi-published, award-winning author whose historical novels weren't selling well a few years ago when historicals hit a slump. She had to reinvent herself as an author of contemporary fiction in order to stay published. Is your writing relevant to our culture? I'm now looking at my own writing with a different eye.

----

If you are able to travel to San Antonio, it's not too late to register for a Mid-Summer Writers Conference on July 17, 2010. Christian Writers Group of Greater San Antonio is offering "Hearts and Craft," a one-day conference with workshops by Janice Thompson, Allison Pittman, Eileen Key, Kelly Irvin and Karen Roth. The cost is $40. Click here for registration form and details.

~ Roxanne Sherwood

Celebrate Freedom

2010-07-05T16:27:00.000-06:00

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." Erma Bombeck

We live in a country with unlimited access to google, freedom to express our thoughts and to hangout with other creatives without fear of reprisal.

How often do we stop to appreciate the freedom to write?

Another Take on Writers Voice

2010-07-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

Photo by gerard79/StockXchange.com

My 9-year-old daughter just finished writing camp. That's correct--writing not riding. There were no horses any where in sight.

Instead, my daughter, Christa, joined other kids in 4th through 6th grade and had fun--really!--learning about memoirs, journals and blogs. Christa has a little bit of her mom in her because she's already started several stories. And, also like her mom, they aren't completed yet.

During the second week of the three week camp, Christa mentioned the teacher taught them about finding their "voice". I'd just come back from the My Book Therapy Polish Conference (now called The Summit Conference) in Seattle. There, literary agent Chip MacGregor summed voice up as "Personality on the page." I couldn't wait to see what this teacher added to that working definition.

For those of you still struggling to determine your voice, here are the questions from the My Voice worksheet Christa brought home. I also included Christa's answers for fun.

My voice sounds like _______________ (waterfall & wolves howling)

My voice tastes like ________________ (buttered popcorn)

My voice looks like ________________ (perfectly purple)

My voice smells like _______________ (buttercream vanilla)

My voice feels like ________________ (cotton stuffing)

Before you chuckle and move on to reading someone else's blog, stop and think about that exercise. What was Chip's working definition of voice? Personality on the page.

Was my daughter's personality revealed in her answers? Yep--in a funky, fun, out-0f-the box kind of way. And sometimes when we stop being so serious about something is when we finally have our "Aha!" moment.

So, how would you answer those questions? Do your answers reflect your voice?

I'll come back later today and post my answers for fun.

Let 'em Have It!

2010-06-29T13:00:00.012-06:00

Ask a Miss America contestant what she wants and chances are she's going to reply, "World peace."

The hippies' movement is known for the chant, "Make love, not war." They made peace signs of all sizes and psychedelic colors famous.

But fiction requires conflict. So make a little war between your characters. Now's the time to pick your battles, start a skirmish, engage in a fight. Create conflict. This week, I critiqued a new writer who's a kindhearted person. She's known as a peacemaker among friends and family. Her lovely heroine is starting a new life, transitioning from a successful career as a manager to owning a small business. Not a detail goes awry. Everything quickly falls into place. I'm envious. I want this gal's life!

But I don't want to read this book. No conflict causes me to wonder what will happen next. No tension forces me to stay up past my bedtime to read one more chapter.

Don't fall in love with your characters--well, maybe a little with your hero. Selling fiction writers aren't nice to their characters. You've still got to let 'em have it. Write conflict into every chapter, preferably scene. After all, if the scene doesn't have conflict, you've got to ask,"Why is it there?"

Don't make these common mistakes:
--Bickering between two characters isn't page-turning conflict.
--Riveting fiction isn't built on a misunderstanding that can be cleared up between a conversation.

Great conflict doesn't result from events that happen to the characters--other than the inciting incident that sets the story in motion. Rather, riveting fiction results from choices the characters make. Get to know your character's goals and motivations, and you know exactly the opposite roadblocks to stop them from obtaining their dreams until the very end. Discover the lies they believe keep them enchained in the past, unable to hope for happiness until you give your characters their happily ever after--and your readers their great read.

Great resources to learn to write better conflict are Debra Dixon's Goal, Motivation & Conflict; James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure; and Susan May Warren's From the Inside ... Out.

~Roxanne Sherwood

2010 Christy Awards and CBA Bestsellers

2010-06-27T22:37:00.004-06:00

“When a book leaves your hands, it belongs to God. He may use it to save a few souls or to try a few others, but I think that for the writer to worry is to take over God's business.”—Flannery O'Connor

The Christy Awards honor the best in Christian fiction in nine categories. The Christy Awards board is pleased to announce the following winners of the 2010 Christy Awards:

Contemporary Romance: Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)
Contemporary Series: Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson (Thomas Nelson)
Contemporary Stand-Alone: The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)
First Novel: Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent (Tyndale House Publishers)
Historical: Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers, a Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Historical Romance: The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers, a Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Suspense: Lost Mission by Athol Dickson (Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster)
Visionary: By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)
Young Adult: North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

CBA July 2010 Bestsellers

The CBA Best-Seller and category top-seller lists are compiled from actual sales in Christian stores as reported through CROSS:SCAN.

Blog Tour: Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff

2010-06-25T04:33:00.006-06:00

I have a lot of books on my bookshelves. I have TBRs (To Be Read Piles). And now I have a Kindle where I am compiling a nice collection of virtual books.

What do all of these books have in common?

They can all be lumped in the "out of sight, out of mind" category.

The fun thing about Jonathan Acuff's book, Stuff Christians Like?

Since I received my copy, I've moved it from my car to my bedroom, to my bathroom, to my kitchen counter. The book has traveled. Not only that, I'm talking about the book. I ask friends, "Have you read ... ?" A lot of them have--and then we compare favorite sections. If someone hasn't, I launch into an explanation of the book or, better yet, pull out my copy and start flipping through it.
Acuff said he hopes readers of Stuff Christians Like will know how fun and full of laughter a life a faith can be. You've got to laugh when Acuff writes about things like:

"Using Vacation Bible School as Free Babysitting" -- I know people who sign their kids up for serial VBS sessions all summer long.

"Finding Typos in the Worship Music"-- I confess, I am guilty of this.

"Tuning Out if the Minister is Younger Than You" -- I just realized my pastor is younger than me!

"Feeding Kids Their Body Weight in Goldfish Crackers" -- Do we think there is no other snack food?

"Fearing the Church Will Do Something Wacky the One Time You Invite a Friend" -- Enough said.

You can get a double-dose of Acuff's humor at Stuff Christians Like. The blog, which now has over 120,000 readers a month, was the catalyst for his book. If you want to hear what others are saying about Acuff and Stuff Christians Like, check out what the other bloggers in the tour have to say.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book to review.

Who Keeps You Acountable?

2010-06-23T15:36:00.012-06:00

In summer, schedules are shed along with layers of extra clothing, and the only routine I can count on are daily piles of laundry resembling the Texas Hill Country. Younger kiddos wake with the sun, while teens don't rise until eleven a.m. or so--just in time to abide by the letter of family law, technically claiming they got up in the morning. Breakfast is eaten any where from sunrise until noon.

Q. With the lack of structure, how can I maintain a writing schedule in my topsy-turvy home?

A. Establish accountability.

Oh, those words were so easy to type . . . But so hard to do.

Q. So how can we really become more accountable?

1. Find a partner. From weight-loss plans to 12-step programs, it's well known that a buddy or mentor helps you reach your goal. If you don't have a partner, see if there is a local writing group you can join. American Christian Fiction Writers or Romance Writers of America both have local groups across the country. If you're in a rural area or small town without a group, try joining an online critique group.

2. Commit to a daily word count or page count.
When you reach your quota, reward yourself. If you fail to make your quota one day, make it up the next. Keep track of your forward motion. Momentum builds. As you see your word count grow, you'll want to squeeze in more writing time to make even more progress. If you miss one day, be really diligent the next one. Missing one day, then another without consequences, and you're quickly making excuses not to write.

3. Work through a writing craft book. If you've got a writing partner, this is a great activity to do together and another way to be accountable. If you don't have a partner yet, it can help with accountability by tracking your progress. Writing is a skill that can be learned, but it must be practiced. Two great books from multi-published, award-winning authors are Susan May Warren's From the Inside...Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You! and James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure.

What are you doing to stay accountable to your writing goals during the lazy months of summer?

~Roxanne Sherwood

Delete Adverbs

2010-06-21T08:40:00.003-06:00

"The road to hell is paved with adverbs."—Stephen King

Beginning writers love adverbs, flinching when pointed out during a critique session. so how do you delete adverbs?

Adverbs often tell when, where, why, or under what conditions something happens or happened. Adverbs frequently end in –ly.

Adverbs modify

a verb (He walked slowly.)
an adjective (He walked at a very fast pace.
another adverb (He moved quite slowly down the aisle.

Find Adverbs Using Find and Replace
Highlight adverbs in red. On the Edit menu, click Find. In the Find and Replace box, enter ly or adverb. Then click on the Replace box. Type in ly or adverb. Select Highlight. Then Find All.

Replace adverbs with descriptive verbs.

What do you know about the man?

Adverb: He walked angrily/quickly/quietly/ slowly/nervously/unsteadily down the hall.

Descriptive verb: He stomped/stormed/tiptoed/ crept/paced/staggered down the hall.

Delete these empty adverbs: extremely, definitely, truly, very, really, only

Adverbs: A Common List in the English Language

http://www.paulnoll.com/Books/Clear-English/English-adverbs.html

Adverbs starting with: a b c d e f g h

http://www.esldesk.com/vocabulary/adverbs

Adverbs starting with: i j k l m n o p q

http://www.esldesk.com/vocabulary/adverbs/list-2

Adverbs starting with: r s t u v w x y z

http://www.esldesk.com/vocabulary/adverbs/list-3

Adverbs List

http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/adverbs.shtml

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Writing . . . for Summer!

2010-06-18T09:16:00.004-06:00

Photo by Beth K. Vogt

According to the song, "the living is easy" in the summer, but my writing schedule is a wreck!
Since my daughter's free from school and homework, that means I'm supposed to live an unfettered lifestyle too.
But I still have edits to do on my work in progress (WIP).
And I'm in an editing cycle Connections.
And I'm also helping to edit Voices, an online e-zine.
And I'm wondering about the status of the nonfiction book my agent is shopping around.
And I'm helping others pursue their writing dreams.
And there's this blog I write . . . and a new blog being birthed.
Sigh.
I find myself sneaking into my office and snatching a few writing or editing minutes here and there, in between spending time with my daughter. Or running errands. Or taking her to summer camp. Or picking her up from summer camp. Or making phone calls to arrange play dates. Question: Christa's almost 10 years old. Do you still call get-togethers "play dates" when your daughter is 10?
But I digress.
The bigger question is: How do I continue to see forward motion in my writing during the lazy, crazy days of summer?
Get up earlier? Stay up later? Not sleep?
I'll toss the question your way: How do you find time to write during the summer, when school's out and the kids are at home? Do you write poolside? Or do you scribble inside a tent, during a family camping trip? Do you plot out your chapter on a family hike, talking into a digi-voice recorder?
Inquring minds--and one desperate writer--wants to know!

Book Burro—a must-have for bookaholics

2010-06-13T13:25:00.001-06:00

“You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”— C. S. Lewis

Automatically compare prices of online books

Do you use Firefox? Then you’ll love Book Burro. Book Burro automatically knows when you view a page containing a book. It lists the prices at other bookstore sites, such as Amazon, Buy, Half, and many more, in a transparent window. It also tells whether your library stocks the book.

Book Burro Features

Works via a small, collapsible pop-up
Can modify the list of active stores from the tool options
Opens up with one click to list of your libraries, book stores and online services.
Checks your favorite libraries, plus over 10,000 libraries if you integrate with WorldCat.
Integrates with online communities such as LibraryThing, PaperBackSwap, BookMooch, and Shelfari.

This and That Along the Writing Road: ACFW Conference

2010-06-11T09:52:00.003-06:00

Registration for the 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW) is open. Go here to start the registration process. Dates for the conference are September 17-20 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Winners for two writing competitions will be announced at ACFW:

The ACFW Genesis competition (finalists listed here)

The first annual Frasier competition hosted by Susan May Warren and My Book Therapy (finalists and Bronze Medalists listed here)