tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29403709770939032102024-02-07T16:54:23.072-07:00FliteraryFliterary is established for weary writers (and readers) to come rest, play, relax, and enjoy word play.Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01291863250550141789noreply@blogger.comBlogger504125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-21541704149369772782021-08-16T07:06:00.005-06:002021-08-16T07:06:31.998-06:00<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We say, "Show me the way. Then I'll come."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God says, "Come. Then I'll show you the way." ~ Allen Arnold</span></b></div>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-15527557442993118402017-09-27T14:50:00.002-06:002017-09-27T14:50:26.885-06:00Know your characters by Lisa BuffaloeWhen establishing a story, don’t use similar names, sounds, or starting letters for your characters. <br />
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Example: Tom and Ted. Mary and Marion. <br />
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Don’t confuse your readers. Make it easy for your readers to tell your characters apart.<br />
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Can you describe your characters? If someone asked you today to shop for your character, buy them clothing, something for the house, and their favorite dinner, could you? <br />
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How well do you know your characters?<br />
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What would they never do, and what would they always do? </div>
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If you gave your character a million dollars how would they spend the money? </div>
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If you took away everything they had, what would be their reaction? </div>
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If you put your character in flip-flops in a formal setting, how would they react? </div>
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Fill out charts that describe your characters in-depth. How they look, where they were raised, their likes and dislikes. Describe them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. <br />
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Know your characters goals, motivations, and conflicts. What drives them? What makes them act the way they do? What secrets lurk in their brains? <br />
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Pull up a chair and talk with them. Get to know them as if they were real.<br />
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I’ve gone shopping and caught myself looking at clothing thinking how cute one of my characters would look in an outfit. The more real your characters are to you, the more real they become to your reader.<br />
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-286936409797421002017-08-28T14:48:00.002-06:002017-08-28T14:48:20.899-06:00Fun for charactersLet your characters go out to play. Take them on a scene you hadn’t planned. Take your ultra-male character shopping in a dress boutique. Take your frilly female character to a sporting goods store. Take them out for fun and see what happens. Put them in a totally different place than you had intended. Your characters might surprise you.Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-24866042167934842692015-04-13T09:10:00.000-06:002015-04-13T13:32:00.246-06:00Build an Author Resume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Build an Author
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">By <a href="http://www.messylifeflashfiction.com/" target="_blank">Christina Weeks</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Think back to your first resume. What did you include? Perhaps you had a part-time job in high school. Maybe it was flipping burgers, but it showed life experience (or at least the willingness to get out of bed). You continued to build your skills by attending college, participating in clubs, or picking up another job. <br />
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When you applied for your first professional position, you were able to develop a resume that highlighted extra-curricular activities, leadership positions, and work experience. You gathered repeated success in smaller positions to land the big opportunity—the job.<br />
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The same is true in publishing. Agents and editors not only look for authors who can write a page-turning novel with interesting characters and unique story arc but also professionals who can deliver a manuscript on time—and not just once, but multiple times. They’re interested in working with partners who can help make their business profitable.<br />
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How can you demonstrate that you’re an author who delivers? Not just pizzas but professionalism. Build your writing resume. <br />
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There are numerous opportunities to cut your teeth, develop your voice, and build credibility by starting small. Short stories, magazine articles, and contests are great avenues to increase your author resume. Then, when it’s time to pitch a novel, you not only have a great story idea, you also have a proven background. <br />
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So start today. Here are a few opportunities available now:<br />
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"Path to Forgiveness" Anthology - Faith by Grace Publishing*<br />
· Fiction or non-fiction<br />
· 2,000-10,000 words<br />
· Theme: Stories about people who seek forgiveness<br />
· Submission Deadline: May 1, 2015<br />
· Website: <a href="http://www.faithbygracepublishing.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.faithbygracepublishing.com/</span></b></a><br />
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Havok, an imprint of Splickety Publishing Group <br />
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· Flash Fiction: 1,000 words or less<br />
· Contest Issue ($10 entry fee)<br />
· Submission Deadline: May 8, 2015<br />
· Theme: Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy<br />
· Website: <a href="http://www.splicketypubgroup.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.splicketypubgroup.com</span></b></a> <br />
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Splickety Love, an imprint of Splickety Publishing Group<br />
· Flash Fiction: 1,000 words or less<br />
· Submission Deadline: June 5, 2015 <br />
· Theme: Smitten Summer<br />
· Website: <a href="http://www.splicketypubgroup.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.splicketypubgroup.com</span></b></a><br />
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Windhover: A Journal of Christian Literature, The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor<br />
· Open submissions for poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, and creative nonfiction <br />
· Submission Deadline: August 1, 2015<br />
· Website: <a href="http://undergrad.umhb.edu/english/windhover-journal"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://undergrad.umhb.edu/english/windhover-journal</span></b></a> <br />
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Relief: A Christian Literary Expression<br />
· Open submissions for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, interviews<br />
· Year-round submissions accepted<br />
· Submission Guidelines: <a href="http://www.reliefjournal.com/submit-your-work/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.reliefjournal.com/submit-your-work/</span></b></a><br />
· Website: <a href="http://www.reliefjournal.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.reliefjournal.com</span></b></a> <br />
*Sourced by christwriters.info<br />
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Christina Weeks is author of <a href="http://www.messylifeflashfiction.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.MessyLifeFlashFiction.com</span></b></a>—quick reads posted on the first and fifteenth of the month. In addition, she’s published in short fiction and commercial publications. She’s also worked at Walt Disney World, flown in a stunt plane, and raced a stock car. You can connect with Christina at:<br />
· <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChristinaWeeks" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/ChristinaWeeks</a> <br />
· <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ChristinaWeeks1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.Twitter.com/ChristinaWeeks1</span></a> <br />
· <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/Christina_Weeks" target="_blank">www.Goodreads.com/Christina_Weeks</a> <br />
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-2865279866270652272015-04-02T14:32:00.000-06:002015-04-02T14:32:00.386-06:00Brainstorming Your Novel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Brainstorming Your Novel </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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By DiAnn Mills<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.diannmills.com/"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="DE">www.diannmills.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Every novelist reaches a plateau in which the perfect story idea isn't coming together. The plot germ is there, but the theme, setting, characters, and storyline seem to spin out of control. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> By using the acronym, <b>BRAINSTORMING</b>, you can bring the whirling to a halt and anchor your writing onto a firm foundation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Believe</b> in yourself. You've been given the gift of writing, and you’re pretty good at it. You understand the craft, and you’re continuously educating yourself to add more tools and techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Realistic</b> writing is what sells. No matter the genre, your storyline must be credible with identifiable characters who react and respond according to the traits you've assigned them.<br /> <b>Analyze</b> your basic idea. How can you grow your characters by making their goals difficult, perhaps impossible to reach?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Inspire</b> your readers to attempt and achieve great things. Fiction is truth. Jesus spoke in parables and through His stories, people gleaned meaning and purpose for their lives. Don’t preach your message. Let the reader see who your characters are by the way they tackle life’s challenges.<br /> <b>Name</b> your book and your characters. Why is this important? Because the title of a book gives the writer passion for the project. Who wants to wake up each morning to the thrill of working on novel X? In the same way, your characters deserve names that mean something significant in the novel.<br /> <b>Show</b> don’t tell. Propel your story into action by incorporating body language, explosive emotion, purposeful dialogue, and unique settings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Technique</b> is essential to every story. To make sure your plotting is tight, ask yourself the following four questions before writing each scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 1. What is the point of view character’s problem or goal?<br /> 2. What does the point of view character learn that he/she didn't know before?<br /> 3. What backstory is revealed? (But not in the first fifty pages.)<br /> 4. How are the stakes raised for the point of view character?<br /> <b>Organize</b> your thoughts into a file that contains all of your notes: plotting, research, characterization, and where you obtained the information. Go a step further and write a lengthy synopsis. I recommend plotting every scene. This doesn't stifle your creativity! You are the writer, and you can add, delete, and change whatever is necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Research </b>is vital to every successful novel. If your novel takes place in your backyard, then research the weeds there. Do your best to visit the setting. Interview those who have the same careers or experiences as your characters. Use the services of a library, chamber of commerce, Internet exploration, and any other means of research to root your reader into the story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Motivation</b> is the key to every successful novel. You were motivated to begin a career as a writer. You were motivated to read this blog. Your characters are motivated by their wants and needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b> Discover</b> your character’s drive to see what he/she will do to achieve those wants and needs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This list is only the beginning to get your creativity flowing. Once you've completed the motivation aspect of your novel planning, the desire to write will soon take over. You’ll be ready to position your nimble fingers on the keyboard and speed off on another adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414389949/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414389949&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20&linkId=I7R33CQ7HMI6KVMW" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1414389949&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Comment below and be entered in a random drawing for a personalized or e-copy of Double Cross.</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.diannmills.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAMRbhN3Xq_GsGKjvVEUDUAG1Q8_u0CUgJUBBVn80bxxcTYu5j_28Bh8dT9XtHYMnHFfwB96AsyY2aFmh3N2FL59xlthQiXskTh8tUI3aABFsYZNUn9K1kO_v5_LmEpSuE33VfeAPos8/s1600/Picture+085.jpg" height="200" title="DiAnn Mills" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">DiAnn
Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an
adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to
create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Her
titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy
Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational
Readers</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">’</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Choice, and Carol award contests. <i>Library
Journal</i> presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the
Christian Fiction category for <i>Firewall</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">DiAnn
is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015
president of the Romance Writers of America</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">s Faith, Hope,
& Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and
International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches
writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny
Houston, Texas. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">DiAnn
is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the
social media platforms listed at </span><u><span lang="DE" style="color: #0432ff; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><a href="http://www.diannmills.com/" target="_blank">www.diannmills.com</a>.</span></u><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">
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<a href="http://www.diannmills.com/" style="color: #1e66ae; line-height: 1.22em;" target="_blank">www.diannmills.</a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 16px;"><u></u></span><a href="http://www.diannmills.com/" style="color: #1e66ae; font-family: 'Century Gothic', helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 1.22em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">com</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITx9sxXMXm_KmLIrcDPDXiXq3Pns7t32UJDmt5U_WxddP-PiRUko2Dw7fDCMEgN5B1ODa37nQtDLDAQJjdrsIiMb0OSCIGyM669sMu90_xm4CNTA7PR3z7wouveGkdJzdCBsPR3-eox8/s1600/DM-stacksig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITx9sxXMXm_KmLIrcDPDXiXq3Pns7t32UJDmt5U_WxddP-PiRUko2Dw7fDCMEgN5B1ODa37nQtDLDAQJjdrsIiMb0OSCIGyM669sMu90_xm4CNTA7PR3z7wouveGkdJzdCBsPR3-eox8/s1600/DM-stacksig.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">CHRISTY AWARD WINNER</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">FIREWALL - Tyndale - July 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">DOUBLE CROSS - Tyndale April 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">DEADLOCK - Tyndale October 2015</span></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-14681797125299406352015-03-26T10:53:00.003-06:002015-03-26T10:53:49.236-06:00Why Christians write and publish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-3090763089533100512015-03-21T14:27:00.000-06:002015-03-21T14:27:19.916-06:00A Study of Endings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Study of Endings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">By Natalie Hanemann</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></b></div>
<br />It’s one of the hardest things a novelist does: ending the story. Or maybe it’s the easiest. I've worked with authors who write the ending first and then go back and fill in the rest. <b>Is there a right way to end a novel?</b> It’s not an exact science, of course, but if you've ever read a book and at the end, wanted to drop it in your paper shredder, then you know that the ending can make or break you as a novelist.<br /><br />I've come across a string of stories lately with poor endings. <div>
<br />Last week my kids found a movie on Netflix, Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart. They loved this movie but something happened in the last few moments of the story that changed their minds. They said they never wanted to watch that movie again. I googled the movie and there’s even a site where the ending is discussed: <a href="http://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/27035/does-jack-die-in-the-end-of-the-movie-jack-and-the-cuckoo-clock-heart">http://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/27035/does-jack-die-in-the-end-of-the-movie-jack-and-the-cuckoo-clock-heart</a></div>
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<br />At a library sale last weekend, I picked up There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly for my kids. I hadn't read it before but I liked the art work. I was shocked when on the last page of the book, the final line was, “There was an old lady who swallowed a horse. She’s dead of course.” Really!? The old lady dies? For the sake of the rhyme. Poor decision and potentially scarring to little kids. <br /><br />In both of these examples, the protagonist dies at the story’s conclusion. Is it a mistake to have your hero/heroine die at the end? Not necessarily. You must take a few things into consideration. One is the genre. In less commercial, more literary novels, the protagonist’s death seems to be more tolerable. But what about a story where the hero’s death is sacrificial and helps to save the lives of others? This happens frequently and audiences seem to be able to handle it. This was the case in the recent Disney movie Big Hero 6. It was sad to see Baymax die, but my kids didn't feel betrayed because they saw the role his death played for the other characters in the story. Plus, Disney could bring him back in the sequel . . . <br /><br />I recently edited a novel where the author ended the book with the protagonist getting shot and dying. It wasn't a sacrificial death; he just died. “What if he didn't die?” I asked the author. “But what will he go off and do?” the author wanted to know. Once your protagonist accomplishes their goal, should they just go live happily ever after? Is that realistic? Should it be? </div>
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<br />These are difficult questions and every story has its own, unique way it should end, but it isn’t always obvious. But here’s a universal guide to ending a story well: think about your reader. You should have their experience in mind as you write your novel and especially as you think about how it will end. If the ending isn't satisfying, they will be frustrated. They may blog about it or put a review online to vent their disappointment. They won’t tell their friends to read the book (word of mouth is so important) – they may even tell them NOT to read it. <br /><br />Here are a few elements of a satisfying ending: Is the reader left feeling hopeful when they put the book down? Is there a promise of happiness for the protagonist (assuming they aren’t dead)? Was justice served? Did the bad guy get their comeuppance? Did good triumph? Did the problems get resolved? <br /><br />In fiction, no resolution is rarely a good resolution. The danger is that plot threads can get too neatly tied up and a reader will roll his or her eyes at the end. You don’t have to spell everything out. Being subtle can help in not tying too neat of a bow. Everyone shouldn't get what they want. It can be annoying to read stories where everyone wins in the end. The art in closing plot threads is to balance being realistic with offering a satisfying conclusion. <br /><br />A good ending isn't easy and can’t be rushed. Writing is highly creative and you, as the author, will have strong feelings about how the story should end, but before you complete that final scene, try to step outside of yourself and think about how a reader will feel when they turn the last page. Show your readers some love by considering their feelings. <br /><br />And if you do, they just might reward you with their loyalty . . . and their recommendation.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Natalie
Hanemann is a freelance fiction editor who lives in Franklin, TN with her
husband and four kids. Visit her website at: </span><a href="http://www.nataliehanemannediting.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.nataliehanemannediting.com</span></b></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-39239642777536210372015-02-27T17:18:00.000-07:002015-02-27T17:18:44.866-07:00Expand Your Reach Through Audio Products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Expand Your Reach Through
Audio Products</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>by <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Becky Lyles / Rebecca Carey Lyles</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My husband, Steve, and I started a podcast last year. But we
didn't join the podcasting craze just to be trendy. Our audio-engineer son,
Toby Lyles, who works with podcasts and audiobooks, advised us to do so. He
insisted a podcast would expand my reach into the world of potential readers
for my books – and that audio products are the wave of the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I balked at the idea because I’m not a professional
broadcaster, and I wasn't sure listeners would want to hear me ramble on about,
well, any subject. In response, Toby suggested I discuss different aspects of editing
because I’m a freelance editor. However, I felt like such a narrow focus would limit
my audience. All writers need good editors, but the behind-the-scenes work required
to improve a manuscript is not the stuff of Hollywood movies—or interesting
podcasts (in my opinion).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With a little arm-twisting, my sweet hubby agreed to join me
in a vaguely related podcasting venture – storytelling. Everybody loves a good
story, right? Thus, the name: “Let Me Tell You a Story.” We realize all those
people who love good stories may not listen to our podcast; however, our intended
audience is definitely broader than if I’d gone with the editing idea. (Of
course, Toby says I could do both. J)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many podcast hosts chat about subjects from their field of
expertise, or they interview experts, but that’s not our style. We don’t
lecture, teach or preach. And, truth be told, we don’t tell stories on “Let Me
Tell You a Story”; instead, we <i>read</i> stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks to the team approach, our listeners get to hear more
than one voice on our podcast. We take turns reading, and we alternate writing
styles. So far, we’ve read short stories, book chapters, poetry, essays, vignettes,
quotations and jokes. Sometimes, guest authors read their own work, which adds
even more variety. (FYI, we always obtain permission before we share other
writers’ literary creations with the public.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, you ask, what’s involved with producing a podcast? As
mentioned above, you need to choose a focus for your audio musings and decide
what audience you want to reach. Then you can name the podcast and create a
cover graphic for the show (we paid a professional graphic artist a small fee
to design ours). Next, you purchase a recorder and a good-quality microphone.
As you may guess, such equipment comes in all sizes and shapes…and prices. Toby
provides great how-to advice in his free podcast manual, which can be
downloaded from his website:</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://twentyfoursound.com/record-great-sounding-audio-products" target="_blank">http://twentyfoursound.com/record-great-sounding-audio-products</a>/</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For our first few recording sessions, we plugged a USB
microphone into my laptop. Using my computer as a recorder worked great – until
the motherboard crashed. Thanks to a separate crazy issue, the computer
problems continued, and we stopped podcasting for several months. Finally, with
Toby’s guidance, we purchased a small recorder and an XLR microphone. If I
remember right, the total cost was around $200. You might spend less, and you might
spend more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What’s the average length of a podcast? Ours tend to run
between 25 and 45 minutes. We strive for an average number of stories rather than
a certain time limit. Other podcasts are longer than ours, 45 minutes to an
hour. You’ll have to find your own comfort zone and what best suits the
material you’re presenting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Toby is the audio engineer for our podcast. Does that mean
you need to hire an audio person? No. Many people produce podcasts without
involving experts, thanks to free or inexpensive programs like Audacity and
Reaper, which enable novices to create quality audio products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That said, we like the intro our son created for our
podcast, something our non-techy selves would not have been able to do. Plus,
we like the sound effects he adds when he has time to play around with our
stories. Again, I’m sure many of you are able to do the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Libsyn serves as our podcast host (fees start at $5/month).
From there, the podcast is sent to my website, Stitcher and iTunes to provide
easy access for listeners. <a href="http://beckylyles.com/podcast" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://beckylyles.com/podcast</span></b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At this point in our short podcasting history, we only
record one or two “shows” per month. Toby thinks we should aim for weekly
offerings, which is a good idea because the more we record, the easier it
becomes. And the more we practice, the better our tongues cooperate. We’ve learned
to read each story, poem, etc. out loud at least two times before we push the
record button. Preparation and practice help us relax and have fun during our
recording sessions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Has our podcast increased book sales? So far, we don’t see
spikes in sales when we release new editions. However, just like with Facebook
or Twitter, we’re growing our audience. The main benefit we receive from the
podcast right now is that it provides another avenue to get our names “out
there.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our featured authors also gain exposure when we read their stories
on “Let Me Tell You a Story.” We provide their contact and purchase info so
readers are able to connect with them and find their books. If you’ve written
something you’d like us to read aloud, send me a note. We’re always looking for
new material. <a href="http://beckylyles.com/contact" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://beckylyles.com/contact</span></b></span></a>.
To listen to our podcasts, go to <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://beckylyles.com/podcast/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://beckylyles.com/podcast/</span></b></a></span>.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A couple more thoughts regarding audio products –</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Audiobooks are
becoming more and more popular. Two of my books are now available in audio
format. You can hear excerpts at <a href="http://alturl.com/hpqqw" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://alturl.com/hpqqw</span></b></span></a> (Winds of Wyoming)
and <a href="http://alturl.com/xzgfq" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://alturl.com/xzgfq</span></b></span></a>
(Winds of Freedom). Again, a sound engineer could help you create an audiobook,
or you could do it yourself. Audible, an Amazon subsidiary that publishes
audiobooks on Amazon and iTunes, walks authors through the process. Check out <a href="http://www.acx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://www.acx.com</span></b></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some podcasters are now combining their podcasts to create
audiobooks for their audiences. Evidently, the sky’s the limit when it comes to
audio these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There you have it – everything you always wanted to know
about audio products. Well, maybe not everything. Please feel to contact me at <a href="http://beckylyles.com/contact" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://beckylyles.com/contact</span></b></span></a>
or Toby at <a href="http://twentyfoursound.com/us" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://twentyfoursound.com/us</span></b></span></a>
with questions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrRBy-tvey2OOgaBkK_Tz8iTlebA5BvnYZHiCQZGGmgYopJKUs5vElG3PLPthddpbMeWrLnfV3aomYvDV4wCryNanMuB2i7puQQ6oUsAigMJT-lDk0kvESZ1DeDHSLl8uFki8hKuvC7Y/s1600/Becky+Lyles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrRBy-tvey2OOgaBkK_Tz8iTlebA5BvnYZHiCQZGGmgYopJKUs5vElG3PLPthddpbMeWrLnfV3aomYvDV4wCryNanMuB2i7puQQ6oUsAigMJT-lDk0kvESZ1DeDHSLl8uFki8hKuvC7Y/s1600/Becky+Lyles.jpg" height="199" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Rebecca Carey
Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her award-winning Kate Neilson
novels, “Winds of Wyoming” and “Winds of Freedom.” (Excerpts from those books
can be heard on podcasts 3 and 11 at </i><a href="http://beckylyles.com/podcast" target="_blank"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://beckylyles.com/podcast</span></b></span></i></a><i>) She now lives in Idaho, where she serves
as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors and women transitioning from prison
to life on the outside. She recently published a short story collection titled
“Passageways” and is writing the third book in the Kate Neilson series, “Winds
of Change.” <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www./"><b>http://www.</b></a></span></i><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://beckylyles.com/" target="_blank"><b>beckylyles.com</b></a></span></i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-5706250256454218122015-01-16T08:33:00.002-07:002015-01-16T08:33:49.838-07:00Writer Tip of the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSl2BLuKTrJopQILU9FHQiM3dZnU4KNASqnNjDc_VkblRoazX8zt9QGNDdn8RPW0nxjI3tQvkvYIHfMYtYoraZEVOkYPyUNcrAdaUzTI6fCqKIhbNsCRHLsg2d1p3NglK_EVQ4f5URIA/s1600/Book+free+clipart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSl2BLuKTrJopQILU9FHQiM3dZnU4KNASqnNjDc_VkblRoazX8zt9QGNDdn8RPW0nxjI3tQvkvYIHfMYtYoraZEVOkYPyUNcrAdaUzTI6fCqKIhbNsCRHLsg2d1p3NglK_EVQ4f5URIA/s1600/Book+free+clipart.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“There are some 100-page books that feel long
and some 1,000-page books that feel short.” ~ Leonard Sweet</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Use your words wisely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-84461464378809424162015-01-15T10:21:00.002-07:002015-01-15T10:21:26.609-07:00Writer Tip for the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEK_b0Cg4w2Puw2RLfSGTxRtECdzUIAUcTLE1EnaLI_2wRrV9DLwfFO0nO_qKh9o_WQaV3CKeu87FYEPgHCDcHQiBQU09TcuSZfPyN-j9cYz9qreRI3Yu246X02b178NlTgjl9SkBZL0/s1600/mailbox-silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="From http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=42086&picture=mailbox-silhouette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEK_b0Cg4w2Puw2RLfSGTxRtECdzUIAUcTLE1EnaLI_2wRrV9DLwfFO0nO_qKh9o_WQaV3CKeu87FYEPgHCDcHQiBQU09TcuSZfPyN-j9cYz9qreRI3Yu246X02b178NlTgjl9SkBZL0/s1600/mailbox-silhouette.jpg" height="133" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be careful not to add anyone to your mailing list without getting their permission. You don't want to drive away potential readers.</span><br />
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<br />Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-91282360164739086512015-01-12T08:00:00.000-07:002015-01-12T08:00:06.584-07:00Book Proposals that Shine<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Proposals that Shine</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>by Natalie Hanemann</b></div>
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As a former in-house editor at a publishing house, I have logged many hours going through the slush piles of book proposals. The majority of the proposals came from unpublished authors and the quality of the proposal varied widely. It’s easy to dismiss a proposal that is sloppy or has insufficient data. Here are some tips for a book proposal that will make you stand apart from the crowd.<br />
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It’s important to remember than an editor only has a few minutes to review your proposal, so you want to hook them immediately and spend their time wisely. Here are the basics of what the editor needs to know:<br />
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· Is this your first book or have you published before?<br />
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· If you’ve had books published previously, provide the details (title, year, publishing house, and how many units you sold). <br />
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· A one-sentence description. It can take FOREVER to come up with the perfect one, but it is worth the time to be able to distill your story into a sentence that captures its essence. Here is an example: “A tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father-a crusading local lawyer-risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.” [To Kill a Mockingbird] Work hard to get your sentence just right.<br />
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<b>·</b> A short synopsis. Here you’ll share the protagonist, his/her goal, the obstacles, the outcome.<br />
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<b>·</b> A long synopsis. Here you’ll be more detailed about the primary characters and the different conflicts. Unless the publishing house requests it, do not send a chapter by chapter summary.<br />
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<b>·</b> Is your idea a standalone or a part of a series? If a series, share brief summaries of future books and how much time you need to write the subsequent books. Include if the first book in the series is complete or how many months until it will be complete.<br />
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<b>·</b> Books in the industry that are similar to the book you wrote. It’s best to compare your book with one that has the same audience (i.e. Christian fiction, secular). TIP: don’t compare yourself to Stephen King or Nora Roberts. Even if you write stories just like theirs, it just isn’t realistic or helpful.<br />
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<b>·</b> What kind of platform or outreach do you have? Include groups of people or memberships where you would be able to promote your book. If the numbers are good, include # of FB friends and Twitter followers. Also include a list of possible endorsers, authors you know or who you’ve networked with.<br />
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<b>·</b> A short biography about yourself. 4-6 paragraphs highlighting your writing life and a little bit about who you are. The tone of this bio should be professional but show a little bit of your personality. If your proposal is presented in a voice that is too familiar, it can count against you. Similarly, if the tone is too formal, it may come across as dry.<br />
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<b>·</b> Sample chapters. Three is normally sufficient. Make sure your sample chapters are polished and sparkling! No typos or amateur errors; don’t be sloppy. No matter how mediocre your proposal is, if the story is good, they’ll overlook the rest. <br />
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<b>·</b> Don’t email or call the in-house editor to ask for a status update on your proposal. Reviewing prospective projects isn’t a top priority so it can sometimes take a couple of months before your proposal is looked at. Try to be patient.<br />
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<b>· </b> In all things, be succinct. Trim your sentences so they are efficient. Say things in as few words as possible. This can become a game of sorts. Try to whittle down 500 words to 400. It can be done, I assure you, but it takes some practice.<br />
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<b>·</b> Don’t provide a cover. With software programs today, it’s easy to let your creativity creep into design and “I’m just gonna see what I come up with” can turn into hours of work on a cover that you feel will make you stand out. Well, it does make you stand out, but not in the best way. Book design is a fine art and should be undertaken by designers. If you have a niece or uncle who is in school for design, don’t be tempted when they ask if they can mock up a book cover for your WIP. <br />
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<b>·</b> Pray before you hit Send and then leave it in God’s hands.<br />
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<b>·</b> If you get rejected, whatever you do, don’t go on social media and start talking trash about the publisher. In fact, don’t ever use social media for an emotional outburst. It’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on you. In every case, be kind and respectful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbvdrojZ0EEU8yyfPfgNFpCBRx5RX6-iKLParXqoklU1rRj6007GBOjFKu0-wFYUYyNBZRsvLiNg1WEq6fBVf3TfVV2UGoedkzyPRMxiVQtbHFLJbrVtsDA8fg1ZJgJvg5sp1HIJ93q0/s1600/Natalie+Hanemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbvdrojZ0EEU8yyfPfgNFpCBRx5RX6-iKLParXqoklU1rRj6007GBOjFKu0-wFYUYyNBZRsvLiNg1WEq6fBVf3TfVV2UGoedkzyPRMxiVQtbHFLJbrVtsDA8fg1ZJgJvg5sp1HIJ93q0/s1600/Natalie+Hanemann.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></div>
Natalie Hanemann is an award-winning editor who has worked in book publishing for more than thirteen years. In 2012, she left corporate publishing to stay home with her four children and began her freelance editing business.<br />
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Natalie has a passion for fiction. She enjoys working on both general fiction and genre fiction. She has mentored young writers, been interviewed on author blogs, and published articles on fiction writing. What she loves most about her profession is working closely with the authors to help them tell the story that God has put on their hearts. <br />
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If you’re interested in contacting Natalie for her services, visit her website at <a href="http://nataliehanemannediting.com/" target="_blank"><b>nataliehanemannediting.com</b></a> or email her at <b><a href="mailto:nathanemann@gmail.com">nathanemann@gmail.com</a>.
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-1705385672239053892015-01-06T14:45:00.001-07:002015-01-06T14:45:12.233-07:00Lead the charge<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Rather than looking in your rearview mirror, lead the charge up the hill
with the stories God has given you. Instead of chasing trends, set <em>them as you create what God has uniquely given you to write." ~ </em>Allen Arnold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read more from Allen in an interview at Oregon Christian Writers --> <a href="http://oregonchristianwriters.org/allen-arnold-interview/" target="_blank">http://oregonchristianwriters.org/allen-arnold-interview/</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">As founder and former publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction, Allen worked with hundreds of authors and published more than 500 novels. Now at Ransomed Heart Ministries, Allen speaks about the holy art of creating from an awakened heart—the deep pleasure of writing not just </span><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">for</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"> God but </span><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">with </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">God. </span>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-27063075523449384662014-12-17T17:04:00.001-07:002014-12-17T17:07:51.939-07:00Gifts for writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite author? Gift them with a good review!</div>
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Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite author? Gift them by telling others about their books!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyGQwVkK4dfJ4EW_7Gn_JqRLgAuwpfJEbSKiMfJ6SpFfY0olwHLPr9PZA6rKU5DF0T2Xf38U34NbS-Pk4_GgBrjru7jKfxNjD8Cvzst4ajs99v7ldbziFkaXzoYwDa9nu8LJmvp-9eg/s1600/Gift+an+author+by+telling+others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyGQwVkK4dfJ4EW_7Gn_JqRLgAuwpfJEbSKiMfJ6SpFfY0olwHLPr9PZA6rKU5DF0T2Xf38U34NbS-Pk4_GgBrjru7jKfxNjD8Cvzst4ajs99v7ldbziFkaXzoYwDa9nu8LJmvp-9eg/s1600/Gift+an+author+by+telling+others.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-77452342721743580992014-11-24T15:47:00.002-07:002014-11-24T15:47:41.415-07:00Writer tip -- Critique GroupFind a good critique group or writing partners who will give honest critiques. Don't only rely on friends and family. Find someone who knows the craft of writing. There are many groups around the country and many online critique groups available through writing organizations.<br />
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<a href="http://www.acfw.com/" target="_blank">American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)</a> has online courses, pages of information, and an email loop where writers can ask any number of writing related questions.<br />
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Don't miss the amazing benefits of critique groups.Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-3233818312414152272014-10-21T16:30:00.000-06:002014-10-21T16:30:44.483-06:00Life is about relationships by Catherine Miller<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is about relationships. We earn and keep the right to
speak into our children’s lives through a continuing flow of being intentional
and present in their lives . . . time over time over time . . .</div>
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For all of my children’s young years, I invested in loving
them . . . rocking them to sleep at night, reading them bedtime stories, saying
their prayers with them.</div>
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I had an urgent sense to be intentional in my time with them
. . . leaving the dishes in the sink to sit and play with them, going on rain
walks in July, swimming on lazy summer days, tickling my son’s back and hearing
his thoughts before he fell asleep each night – even when all I wanted to do
was lay my weary bones down.</div>
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And when they were babies, I realized there were no
guarantees in life except a loving heavenly Father, so I . . . memorized
scripture with them, told them bible stories, read them present day stories of
great God-followers . . . all the while praying that Jesus would become their
very best friend.</div>
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And yet, a year before my daughter was about to enter middle
school, I heard about the “stuff” our kids face today, and froze. I had never
faced some of the issues present in our schools, and I’m an adult. I remember
where I was standing when I uttered the silent prayer, “God, how do I allow my
daughter to live in this world, and yet not be like this world?”</div>
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That was when the idea of First Friday Friends was birthed. I armed myself with my very closest mama friends and shared
my heart with them. We came up with things we wanted to share with our girls
while they were still open to hearing our hearts and loving time with us. We
invited other moms and daughters who would be journeying alongside us during
this same season of life. Forty moms and daughters said “yes” to the
invitation. There is a hunger to join in community and do life together.</div>
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Fun was imperative. So we set up the evening with a game, an
engaging story that teaches a lesson, time for chatting, a craft, and of
course, a sweet treat to end the evening. </div>
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I thought it was about teaching a lesson, and it was, but
what I didn't realize is that it was equally important to build community with
other like-minded moms and daughters. It was equally important to keep the
communication lines open between me and my daughter. It was equally important
for all the girls to see that they were not alone in living life different than
what the world says.</div>
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My daughter is in college now. We still have regular times
for coffee and chats. We still talk on the phone almost every day. When we are
together, we still climb in the car just for car talk. We jokingly call these
times our “mommy and me” time.</div>
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And though she is grown, I am still intentional, and I am
still present . . . time over time over time . . . and the cool thing is . . .
she is too. And my son, well, I am his favorite “talk show” commute on
the way to work, and I love it! . . . time over time over time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.firstfridayfriends.com/letsmeet/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sG5fjGN3PFJgzNjpffWoxqrSBE8c0cX-PWyhxvZHTdxyQJ6ugMD3SeBdf29gnZccF6FzxyvEEfyI5H89KGeYae_Ae1Cwg8MrW73Mzq1HxDajuRQr4Lbgd9jlwn1HUxrPJcygW-qGJkY/s1600/Catherine+Miller+Small+Web+view.jpg" /></a></div>
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About Catherine Miller and her Mother/Daughter relationship
books. </div>
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Heart to Heart provides a Biblical foundation for making
choices in today’s world. The material is filled with real-life stories and fun
activities that encourage authentic and thoughtful conversations as it builds
and grows relationships. First Friday Friends is designed for mothers and
daughters to have the opportunity to discuss some of the current day issues and
make decisions about tough dilemmas before our daughters encounter them. Some
daughters may have a general idea of their ideas and standards, but it's likely
most of them haven't yet been put into a place where they've needed to make a
hard stance. First Friday Friends mother daughter relationship books allows for
a safe and gentle place to create open dialogue and make choices for the
future. It creates the opportunity to instill values and partner with
like-minded mothers and daughters on the journey.</div>
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While there are many books written on parenting and how to
raise your daughter or teenager, First Friday Friends is designed to engage you
with your daughter and with other mothers and daughters in the same season of
life. It's designed to open discussion, develop new friendships, deepen
existing ones, and of course....make super fun memories! Enjoy the journey!<br />
<br />
Click on the books for a preview!</div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-9728669065529955692014-09-22T13:33:00.003-06:002014-09-22T13:38:18.824-06:00Make 'em count!<br />
<b>Make every word count.</b><br />
<br />
Don’t overwrite. Don’t use words to impress or just because you like how they sound. <br />
<br />
Some older novels used page after page to describe scenes. They call it purple prose. Personally, I don’t want to buy a novel containing 200 pages of useless information. <br />
<br />
Don’t give your readers a reason to skim.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://brandilyncollins.com/" target="_blank">Brandilyn Collins</a> writes suspense. I don’t skim anything in her books. Even when she is describing scenes or how someone looks, there are always clues about the characters or about what may happen.<br />
<br />
This is the first paragraphs of her book, <a href="http://amzn.to/1mpBV3R" target="_blank">Violet Dawn</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Paige Williams harbored a restless kinship with the living dead. Sleep, that nurturing, blessed state of subconsciousness, eluded her again this night. Almost 2:00 a.m., and rather than slumbering bliss, old memories nibbled at her like ragged-toothed wraiths.<br />
With a defeated sigh she rose from the bed.<br />
Wrapped in a large towel, she moved through the darkened house, bare feet faintly scuffling across worn wood floors. Out of her room and down a short hall, passing the second bedroom—barren and needing to be filled—and the one bathroom, into the small kitchen.”</blockquote>
<br />
Brandilyn’s scene gives hints about Paige, describes the surroundings to give you bearings but is not overbearing.<br />
<br />
No word is wasted, they all have a purpose. Learn to write without wasted words. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diannmills.com/" target="_blank">DiAnn Mills</a> writes, “A good writer knows that cutting the flab adds muscle and reduces the fat in his manuscript.”<br />
<br />
<b>Write for quality, not quantity.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310252237/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310252237&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20&linkId=O7LJS4MNOJ5YFRK4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0310252237&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwfliteraryc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310252237" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-80458103007806698282014-09-22T13:32:00.000-06:002014-09-22T13:32:17.748-06:00Tips for CharactersKnow your characters and your readers.<br />
<br />
When you are establishing your story, don’t use similar names, sounds, or starting letters for your characters.<br />
<br />
Example: Tom and Ted. Mary and Marion. <br />
<br />
Don’t confuse your readers. Make it easy for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-76971452989597296282014-08-29T10:22:00.006-06:002014-08-29T10:25:03.166-06:00Writing in Selling Genres or Writing Issue Fiction? <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 30px; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
Writing in Selling Genres or Writing Issue Fiction? What's An Author to Do? ~ Jennifer Slattery</h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to hurl. Or cry. Except there were way too many people EVERYWHERE. So I did the only thing I knew to do—run! I spent the rest of the evening in my hotel room, tears streaking my puffy face with mascara.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 1.0791666666666666; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was my first national conference, and quite frankly, I arrived to my initial appointment more than a little cocky, believing I had crafted the next literary masterpiece. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 1.0791666666666666; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Obviously this was pre-critique partners. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 1.0791666666666666; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appointment after appointment, my confidence waned ... </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;">Drop over to Novel Rocket to read the rest --> </span><a href="http://www.novelrocket.com/2014/08/writing-in-selling-genres-or-writing.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: serif; font-size: 30px;" target="_blank">Writing in Selling Genres or Writing Issue Fiction? What's An Author to Do</a></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
And/or listen to an interview with <a href="http://www.livingjoyfullyfree.com/audio-items/jennifer-slattery/" target="_blank">Jennifer Slattery on Living Joyfully Free Radio</a><br />
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-74330289503107728152014-08-21T16:28:00.000-06:002014-08-21T16:29:09.375-06:00Grammar Tip from Kathy IdeKathy Ide Grammar Tip: The sentence “As the time grew short, the people became fidgety” could mean either “When the time grew short, the people became fidgety” or “Because the time grew short, the people became fidgety.” Using "when" or "because" instead of "as" prevents ambiguity or possible misreading.<br />
<br />
Visit Kathy Ide at her website <a href="http://kathyide.com/"><b>http://kathyide.com/</b></a>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-53825478456910682432014-08-11T11:58:00.002-06:002014-08-11T11:59:19.123-06:00How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Video Montage<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8yw3p0utBkM?rel=0" width="540"></iframe>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-66414938307786258902014-08-11T11:58:00.000-06:002014-08-11T11:58:09.893-06:00How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Video Montage<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8yw3p0utBkM?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-43870496068379948602014-08-07T11:01:00.005-06:002014-08-07T11:02:27.913-06:00Writer Tips<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Keep asking <b>what if</b>… What if my character went here? What if my character did
this? Jot down things that make you wonder and ponder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b>Brainstorm</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">
with friends. Some of the most amazing stories can come just sitting and
talking with another writer or friend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b>Listen and watch</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">.
When you watch the news, ask “what if?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b>Everything you see
and experience is fodder for novels.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b>Take notes.</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">
You never know when inspiration will hit. When an idea comes, write it down. I
have a file on my computer where I keep my writing ideas. I’m always sending
myself e-mails on my phone with ideas for blogs or stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-8815306135153155202014-08-05T13:46:00.001-06:002014-08-05T13:46:43.982-06:00Take Your Characters Out to Play<a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Writers" role="presentation"><s>#</s>Writers</a>,
let your characters go out to play. Take them to a scene you hadn't
planned. Take your ultra-male character shopping in a dress boutique.
Take your frilly female character to a sporting goods store. Take them
out for fun and see what happens. Put your characters in a totally
different place than you had intended. Your charachters might surpise
you!Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-11125969495093367652014-06-23T15:41:00.000-06:002014-06-23T15:45:21.566-06:00The Making of a Mom by Stephanie Shott<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
Have you ever felt like you wore so many hats that it was hard to really enjoy your mom journey? Or like you were so weary and worn out by your never-ending ‘to do’ list that you wanted to bury your head under the covers and get away from it all…even for just a day?</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
Me too! </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
Oh…like you, I LOVE being a mom. But for me, motherhood was like this messy experiment and my kids were the guinea pigs. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
Motherhood is the best job on the planet!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
Moms, more than anyone else, have the opportunity to not only mold the heart of their children but to mold the heart of the next generation. But we get caught up in dealing with the dailies of life and it’s hard to make it our mission to parent on purpose. Sometimes it’s so easy to parent the child they are and deal with the behavior of the moment that we forget about molding the heart of the person we long for them to become.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong> gives you a foundational look at real life biblical motherhood and provides the practical tools and inspiration you need to become the best mom you can. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
While we all know there is no such thing as a perfect mom, we also know that WE are the perfect moms for our children.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong> encourages moms to embrace the significance of their calling to motherhood…a role that only we moms can fulfill…a role that God has called us to and equipped us for.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830770577/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0830770577&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20&linkId=ZQ63A5DD5XFPBQDX" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0830770577&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wwwfliteraryc-20" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwfliteraryc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0830770577" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>
And <strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong> was uniquely written to minister to the hearts of moms while also providing a key resource for the local church and para-ministries.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
With venue specific Planning Guides in the back of the book, instructions on how to begin M.O.M. Groups that will help the local church weave mentoring into the fabric of the church and serve as not only an in-reach resource, but a great outreach tool as well. And the questions at the end of each chapter serve as a catalyst for conversation for ministry and small group leaders, <strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em> </strong>is the perfect resource for every church!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong> works in tandem with The M.O.M. Initiative as a tool to help the church minister to moms who know Christ and reach those who don’t. Through The Making of a Mom, you can help your local church make mentoring missional and impact your community and this culture for Christ.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
The goal of The M.O.M. Initiative is to reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ. The tool is <strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong>. The vehicle is the local church. AND…if only 3 women in 1/2 of the churches in the United States would mentor just 3 other mothers, we could reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ!</div>
<div style="color: #6e4319; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<span style="color: #333333;">To find out more about how you can begin a M.O.M. Group, <a href="http://www.themominitiative.com/mentors-ministry-leaders-small-group-leaders-join-here/" style="color: #73b84d;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333;">click this link</span></a>.</span></div>
<div style="color: #6e4319; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<span style="color: #333333;">To find out how to sign up to be ONE in a MILLION MOMS who would like to be connected with a mentor and raise your children to know Christ, <a href="http://www.themominitiative.com/join-the-revolution/moms-join-here/" style="color: #73b84d;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333;">click this link</span></a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 30px;">
<span style="color: #6e4319;">To find out how to order </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Making-Mom-Practical-Purposeful/dp/0830770577/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400554661&sr=8-1&keywords=The+making+of+a+mom" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Making of a Mom</em></strong></a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6e4319;">Order on</span><b><span style="color: blue;"> Amazon
</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Stephanie Shott is an author, speaker and missionary who is passionate about inspiring women to know God more - to boldly and courageously become who they were created to be and to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. Stephanie has been involved in women's ministry for over 20 years. She is a real, relevant and practical speaker who loves helping women enjoy the grand adventure of serving the Living God.</span><br />
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<b>Visit Stephanie Shott on<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.themominitiative.com/" target="_blank">The MOM Initiative</a> </span>or her website, <a href="http://stephanieshott.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://StephanieShott.com </a></b></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2940370977093903210.post-39821283393527756752014-06-17T15:05:00.002-06:002014-06-17T15:05:23.834-06:00To Christian Writers by Lisa Buffaloe<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">If you are a
Christian writer, keep writing for God. The world needs hope, and the only
eternal hope is found in Jesus Christ. Keep writing to point to Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Ignore the</span>
whispers of the enemy telling you to give up <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Ignore the world’s
ideas of success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Pay no
attention to the number of followers on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Pay attention
to God’s truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Pay attention
to being successful for God’s Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #292f33;">Pay attention
and be obedient to follow God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a
book all the words I have spoken to you.’” ~ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+30:2&version=NIV">Jeremiah
30:2 (NIV)</a></div>
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“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you
also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and
with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” ~ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A3-4&version=NIV">1
John 1:3-4 (NIV)</a></div>
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“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” ~ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A13&version=ESV">1
John 5:13 (ESV)</a></div>
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Write the joyful truth so that others may
find the joyful truth of Jesus Christ!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5QfEYE7fONSywZDrPRAlb4Eq6shUZU-EEhj9SyqQ73lKrU_xaQE74dlkm5yluqsy1NoJ9rd36s1WniE4TcajBBOQsfvuJMHVtD0c01PVf-esMFM2V1Hj90Nt3So3ogpznD-w_3paqNk/s1600/Write+the+joyful+truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5QfEYE7fONSywZDrPRAlb4Eq6shUZU-EEhj9SyqQ73lKrU_xaQE74dlkm5yluqsy1NoJ9rd36s1WniE4TcajBBOQsfvuJMHVtD0c01PVf-esMFM2V1Hj90Nt3So3ogpznD-w_3paqNk/s1600/Write+the+joyful+truth.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Visit Lisa Buffaloe @ w<a href="http://ww.lisabuffaloe.com/" target="_blank">ww.lisabuffaloe.com</a></div>
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Fliteraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02812392502505397393noreply@blogger.com0