Buzz – Say What??

I’ve ‘labeled’ Mondays on the blog as “Book Buzz.” It’s an interesting thing, this concept of ‘buzz’. I’m not sure when the word as it is most often used today, entered our vocabularies. I certainly don’t remember using it as a child. Here’s what I found in an online dictionary:

buzz

¹    [buhz]

noun

1. a low, vibrating, humming sound, as of bees,machinery, or people talking.

2. a rumor or report.

3. Informal . a phone call: When I find out, I’ll give youa buzz.

4. Slang .

a. a feeling of intense enthusiasm, excitement,or exhilaration: I got a terrific buzz from thosePacific sunsets.

b. a feeling of slight intoxication.

Like I said, interesting. I think when we use the word buzz in the world of publishing, we mean that a lot of people are talking about a particular thing – and this is good. Would you agree? For instance, if I said my debut novel had a lot of good buzz, you’d know what I meant, right?

SO, how do we generate this ‘buzz’? Why do some books get a ton of it and some books get very little?
How long does the buzz last? How long is it supposed to last? What indeed, is the lifespan of your average buzz?

As a new author, I worried a lot about the kind of buzz my novel would get. I wanted it to be good of course, and I wanted it to continue for a long time. I think a few months is probably the average for a debut novel. In my case, I’d say the buzz surrounding Yesterday’s Tomorrow has probably waned. I’m not sure there is much I can do now, after almost a year since the book’s release, to help it reach a wider audience. (Well, a movie deal would be sweet, but I don’t see that happening).

Is buzz the result of the author or publisher’s hard work in promoting a book? Or does it just happen?

I’m asking a lot of questions this morning, aren’t I? Oh, there’s another one!

But I am truly curious about this. Tell me what you think about this concept of ‘buzz’ – have you experienced it personally either with a book you’ve written or read? Does buzz ‘go viral’ so to speak? When I say that, I think of a series like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. All of a sudden everyone’s talking about the books, and reading them.

What do you make of the buzz concept, and what are you buzzing about today?

Meet Author Michael Duncan!

Today we have author Michael Duncan visiting with us! He’s here to answer the questions I’m sure we all want to know!

Who Are You?

Who am I? That’s a good question and one that ought to be answered!

I am Michael – husband to my beautiful wife and father to three amazing children. I am also the pastor of a small mountain church in the State of Washington. I serve the Lord in a variety of environments. I am, as you know, an author, with my first book, Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One, having been released October 1st, 2011. I am on the Executive Board of the Northwest Baptist Convention; I serve on the board of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association, and am a critique group facilitator for them, and I also serve as a Bible commentator on the Alive In Christ radio network.

Where Are You Now? 

Well, right now I’m in my little make-shift office in the corner of my room. I suppose that’s not what you meant. Okay…I am, as said before, in the Evergreen State-the State of Washington. It is winter right now and we are surrounded by an ocean of snow. I live in a small town called Darrington, and it is nestled in the Western Foothills of the Cascade Mountains. I have been around the world serving the Lord in various churches, and my country in the U.S. Airforce. It’s a funny thing, but I always seem to come back to Washington. It is my home state, after all.

Where Are You Going?

Right now, I’m going to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. Okay, I’m back. I hope you didn’t miss me too much. Anyway, where am I going? Hmm…I hear the Scripture verse echo in my head, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29). God has plans for all of us, and I know that He has them for me. I am going to go where the Lord leads. Currently, I just finished the edits for my second novel, the sequel to Shadows. It is titled Revelation; Book of Aleth, Part Two. 

It comes out in the summer of this year, though the launch date is not set yet.  I have several other book projects waiting in the wings, and I hope to have them published as well.  God knows.  I am also, as stated before, a part of the Alive In Christ radio network (http://aliveinchristradio.com).  I am a Bible commentator with them and am in the works to develop my own show.  No date, yet, is set for the show’s first airing, but it will be soon.  I encourage you to tune in on Tuesday night at 8pm, Pacific Time, and listen to host Tony Marino, Brian Whiteside and me. I have several irons in the fire, and there are plans that God has laid out for me that are exciting.  But, I don’t want to run ahead of God, so I’ll save those announcements for a future date.

 Where Can We Find You?

Well—you can find me easily at my website: http://www.michael-duncan.net.  You can find my book, Shadows, there as well as links to Amazon and Barnes and Noble where they can be purchased.  You can also hear me on Alive in Christ (mentioned above).  My blog and audio sermons are at my website as well.  And, when the weather is better, you might find me on the golf course.

About Michael:

Michael has spent more than 20 years preaching and teaching God’s Word. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Rev. Duncan entered into public ministry and has served in four churches.  He currently resides in Washington State with his wife and three children and serves as pastor.

When Michael is not preaching or teaching God’s word, he spends time writing.  His first novel, Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One, was released in October, 2011.  He is an apprentice-level alumnus of the Christian Writer’s Guild.  Michael is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and serves as a board member and a critique group facilitator.  He also serves on the executive board of the Northwest Baptist Convention and a Bible commentator on the Alive in Christ radio network (www.aliveinchristradio.com).

About – Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

A stolen text…

When the Book of Aleth is stolen, Aaron, captain of the Royal Guard, is ordered by Emperor Therion to reclaim the ancient tome. The mission thrusts Aaron into a world he’s never known–a world of elves and dwarves, races long thought extinct; a world where everything he has known and believed is a lie.

A secret past…

Forced to challenge his long-held beliefs, Aaron and his companions, two soldiers of the Royal Guard and two men of the Dwarvish kingdom of Brekken-Dahl, set out on a quest to recover the Book. Aaron resolves to discover the truth, and rescue the empire he is sworn to protect.

For more information about Michael, or to purchase his debut novel, Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One, you can visit his website at www.michael-duncan.net.

So You Want To Be A Writer?

Over the last few years, I posted a fair bit about the writing life on my other blog. Since this is now my primary blog, I thought some of those posts might fit here on Wednesdays, when we discuss writing. I hope they’ll be helpful to you wherever you are on your journey.

November 2010.

Isn’t this a fabulous picture? Apparently it was taken in Tuscany. If I ever go there, I must find this spot. It’s hard to imagine the necessity for so many signs in one place. One envisions a rather treacherous road ahead and may opt to find another way to get to their destination.

This picture, for me, personifies this thing we call The Writing Life.

Since announcing that I am, at long last, stepping over into Published Land, I’ve been asked two questions with alarming frequency.
The first is, of course, “When is the book coming out?” My answer: “You will know when I know.”
The second is, “How long did it take?” Or “How did you do it?”
Okay, that’s three questions.
But the last two are both how questions, and kind of interrelated, so let’s discuss the how.
One thing I say often, mostly when I’m muttering to myself over having started the tenth revision on a manuscript, is that I wish I had known then what I know now.

* If you want to be a writer you must must MUST be willing to learn. *

But, you say, my mother, cousins and aunties all read my book and loved it! They cried.
Yeah, bully for you. You’re going to be crying in a few months when you get your first rejection.
Harsh? Maybe, but don’t take my word for it. Go ahead and send out that query letter with an unpolished manuscript and see what happens. Unless of course you’re a literary genius (In which case, I hate you), I can pretty much guarantee that you’re setting yourself up for a good old-fashioned pity party.

“But how do you know this?” I’m glad you asked. I know this because I did it. Several times over. I knew my writing was good. The stories were amazing, honest. I cried while I wrote them.

Did I read one single book on craft apart from Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agents and Publishers? No. I did not.
Did I belong to a critique group, online or otherwise? No, I did not.
Did I know what passive writing, deep pov or head-hopping were? NO. I did not.
See a pattern here?
Listen, you don’t just wake up one day and decide to be a brain surgeon, pluck some poor schmuck off the street and do a frontal lobe lobotomy on him. Well, you could try, but methinks it would end badly for both of you. No, you go to university. Then you go to medical school. Then you do your internship, then a fellowship. And a hundred years later, you’re a brain surgeon.
So it is with writing.

It is one thing to want to be a writer. It is a wonderful thing. A beautiful dream. But one that takes time, energy, fortitude and a certain amount of humility.

If you seriously intend to make that dream a reality you must be willing to make the investment.

If you know without a doubt that you are willing to follow that dream, whatever the cost, wherever it takes you, great.
Here’s some free advice for you. Take it. You’ll be glad you did.

1. No pain, no gain. Find a writers group near you and join. Immediately. Then enroll in a critique group. Immediately.
If you have never, ever let anyone read your work because you’re embarrassed or it’s not good enough, get over it. If you want to be a writer you must be willing to subject yourself to criticism. Yes, sometimes it will hurt. You will bleed. But you will learn.
I belong to two. American Christian Fiction Writers - they have zones all over the US. Likewise with Romance Writers of America. If you belong to one or the other or both, you’re well on your way to rubbing shoulders with those who have paved the way and are more than willing to help, teach and advise. Take full advantage of this. In the nicest, politest way possible of course.

2. Read to Learn. Do you know what genre you write in? Do you know what genre is? Arm yourself with a library of how-to books on writing. There are literally dozens to choose from. Do a search on Amazon and see for yourself. I recommend Anne Lammot, Dwight Swain, James Scott Bell and Donald Maas, just for starters.

3. Read for pleasure. If you’re a writer, this is a no brainer. You love to read. Do. I often find it very difficult to read while I’m writing, but I force myself. There is no better way to learn your craft than to read published books. Whatever those authors are doing, it’s working. I tend to read in my genre, but I think if you can step outside the box and read a bit of everything, you’ll be ahead of the game. Okay. a warning here. As you grow as a writer, you will quickly develop a pain in the butt thing called The Internal Editor. It’s that little voice inside your head that starts pitching a fit when you’re in the middle of that bestseller and heads are hopping all over town, with the wases and the just as and the thens and you just can’t stand it anymore because this crap is published and your brilliant novel has just been rejected again. For the tenth time.
I get this.
However, said author with the head-hopping issues is #1 on the NYT Best Seller list and is making a bajillion dollars a year churning out the same stuff. You are not. Get over it.
The biggest trap for a writer is to start comparing yourself to somebody else. I have done this too many times. I’ll say, “Oh, I just love her stuff. I want to write like her.” Uh. Good for me, but I’m not her. I’m me. I have learned to be satisfied with that. I will write like myself, thank you very much.

4. Go to writers conferences. Seriously. I know it is a lot of money. I know it’s scary, especially if you’re new at this and you don’t know anyone. But it is so worth it. If you are serious about becoming a published author – find the money. Decide which conference you want to attend (do the research), start saving, find your babysitters or dogsitters or whatever, and just do it. You won’t regret it. There is nothing like sitting in a room with several hundred other people who don’t think you’re weird. They’re weird too. Go be weird together. Be writers.

5. Support System. You might say this does not apply to you. Your spouse is amazing, fully supportive in whatever you do. Your friends love you, they think it’s cool that you’re doing this writing thing, and your family is always asking when that book is coming out.
Awesome. However. Once you have been at this for oh, five or ten years, and you’re still not published, they might not be so supportive. Now I’m not saying they’re going to call you an idiot behind your back or anything, but you know… This is a long, hard road. You may be one of the fortunate few who lands that agent and publishing contract within a year or two, and if so, great. Chances are, it’ll take a lot longer than that. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support you along the way, no matter what. Writing is, for the most part, a solitary occupation. Well, you know. As solitary as it can get with five or six people talking to you inside your head, sometimes all at once.
There will be times when you’ll want to give up. You will want to rant and wail when you receive a no that you were pretty a hundred percent sure was going to be a yes. It’s a tough gig. Family and friends are great, but sometimes they just don’t ‘get it’ like another writer will.

6. Believe in yourself. You must believe you can do this. If you don’t, why should anyone else? Find your faith, spit polish it every day and smile at yourself. You can do this. It will not be easy, but if you want it, you must be willing to go after it.

So that’s probably more than enough to get you started. I’m sure those reading who are writers and have been at this a while can add to my comments. What resounds with you? What do you want to talk about? Open mike time.

The Language of Flowers

 

The Language of Flowers was one of those books I heard a lot about after it was released, but put it on my ever-growing TBR pile. A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to reading it. You know sometimes you long for a story that reaches deep into your soul, wakes something in you and makes you see things a little differently? The kind of story with unforgettable characters and prose that literally sings? Vanessa DIffenbaugh has written such a book.

Not only was the writing fantastic, but the story itself was utterly haunting. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to all those kids out there who, for one reason or another, end up in foster care, this book pulls back the curtain and gives a glimpse into that life. How does being rejected by one’s parents and being transferred from home after home really affect a child? Diffenbaugh addresses this in the brilliant portrayal of Victoria Jones, a character who is deeply troubled, but with good reason. And while some of the decisions she made had me wanting to smack her, I totally understood where she was coming from because of her background.

This is a book about real life. Rejection. Friendship. Relationships. And hope.

Victoria’s story is one I won’t soon forget. And of course, loving all things botanical, the interwoven theme of flowers – the language of flowers – really made this book special for me. I could see all the vibrant colors, smell the florist shop, the descriptions were done to a tee. I love the meanings behind the flowers, and I’m going to keep the glossary at the back of the book close at hand the next time I’m putting together a flower arrangement!  I’m so glad I was able to read this book and it’s one I highly recommend.

What’s the last book you’ve read that has stayed with you, made you think about it long after the last page was turned? 

Historical Fiction Author, Christine Lindsay!

Last year was a landmark year for me as far as reading goes. I found I had more than a few friends who were writing historical fiction, so I began reading it. And immediately got hooked. When Christine Lindsay asked if I would read her debut novel, Shadowed In Silk, for possible endorsement, I agreed. Mostly because I like Christine, and she and I have shared pretty similar journeys along the path to publication. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a long historical novel, but boy, was I in for a treat.

Shadowed In Silk is rich in history, full of descriptive narrative and tells a story you won’t soon forget. My only question after finishing this amazingly written novel was why hadn’t Christine been published sooner? I can’t say enough about this wonderful book!  If you haven’t yet found a copy of this literary feast for the imagination, I advise you to do so quickly. You won’t regret it.

But before you rush off to Amazon, Christine is here to share a few thoughts with you today:

You’ve heard the phrase, ‘cast your bread upon the waters and wait for it to come back to you’.

Well how about the one, ‘looking for lost donkeys’?

Nope? Never heard of that one?

Lately I’ve been testing the waters to see what direction I should take with my writing career. Not being independently wealthy I need to bring in an income. Financial difficulties seems to be a burden most artistic people bear.

Right now I’m prayerfully trying to decide if I should search for a full-time job outside the home which would mean I lose out on the time it would take to write another book. Or if I continue to write, it may mean more years of financial strain. Or maybe the Lord will bring that really good contract with a major CBA publishing house.

You may be in a similar position, looking for a job, deciding on what college to attend, hoping one of your books will sell. Or perhaps your health is an issue?

There’s an incident in the life of Saul that each time I read it, gives me comfort. The young Saul had no idea that God had chosen him to be the first king of Israel. He was ust an ordinary guy whose father was a farmer and owned a string of donkeys. One day those donkeys went missing, and Saul’s father sent him out to look for them.

Saul travelled through various areas, looking for ages for those donkeys.

I can connect with Saul’s long and unfruitful search for those financially strategic donkeys.

Funny thing is, God used that long and winding search to bring Saul to the prophet Samuel. The Lord had already revealed to Samuel that He had chosen Saul to be that first king. As Samuel unveiled this to Saul, he also told him that the donkeys he was searching for had been found and were already at home, and that God had a totally new direction for his life.

So, when it seems every iron you place in the fire doesn’t get hot enough to provide for you, or you’re not sure which direction to cast your bread on the water, remember that God knows exactly where your lost donkeys are. 

In the meantime, I continue to work at my part-time job, and on my days off am writing the sequel to Shadowed in Silk, which is called Captured by Moonlight.

About Christine Lindsay:

Christine Lindsay is the Award-winning author of Shadowed in Silk which was released in 2011. She lives on the west coast of Canada about 200 miles north of Seattle. Like a lot of writers, her cat is her chief editor.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all other online locations.

Click here to read Chapter One  or check out the book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV3YX94ntSI

Realizing The Dream – Some Unsolicited Advice On Getting From A to B

 

I apologize for not posting on Monday, but I’ve been getting over a stomach virus. Laying on my back immobilized is a great opportunity for pondering, thinking of things past, dreaming of things to come. Lately I’ve been remembering things about my journey to publication. Things that might be helpful to share here. I think we’re all at different stages in our writing journeys, but I hope that someone out there may benefit from this.

When I began writing in earnest, I honestly had no idea what I was in for. All I knew was that I loved to create stories, and some said they were good. Good enough to be published. And so I stepped, or rather, plunged, head first into the vast and choppy seas of publishing. And wouldn’t you know it, that darn lifejacket was sitting on the shore.

I laugh now when I think back to those days and how clueless I actually was about the whole thing. Naive might be a better description. I began querying editors before I even belonged to a writers group. I didn’t know what a critique partner was and I certainly didn’t have one or know why I needed one. All I really had going for me was a pinch of self-confidence and a passion to see my dreams come true.

Fortunately for me, several people entered my life around that time. One of them had recently moved to Bermuda, but used to be a literary agent back in the US. Go figure. Yes, she read my stuff. Yes, she laughed. Well, not to my face but I’m sure she did. Although she dealt with non-fiction, she knew enough about writing to point out a few major flaws in my manuscript. The neck-collar she was wearing gave testimony to the extraneous amount of head-hopping she endured during her hours of torturous reading. But she kindly pointed me down the right path and her advice was solid. I now knew what I needed to do. I had a plan.

I found a writers group. Several actually, but since I was writing romance, I joined Romance Writers of America. Later, when I decided I wanted to write for the Christian market, I joined American Christian Fiction Writers. And then I began the quest for a literary agent.

This is where those groups come in handy. If you’ve checked any market guides lately, you’ll see hundreds and hundreds of literary agencies out there. It’s mind boggling. Tempting to skip the step entirely and go it alone. Unfortunately you will find that most large publishers will not look at your stuff unless you have an agent. So this is your first step. Do your homework. Ask questions. A lot of questions. Of course if you’re already involved in a writing community you know who the good agents are. And you’ve probably heard about the bad ones.

Go to writers conferences. This was honestly the best money I ever spent on my writing career. It’s great to network over the internet, and these days its incredibly easy, but nothing beats a face-to-face meeting with that agent you’re hoping to acquire or the editor at that publishing house you’d just love to write for.

Some dreams come true very quickly. Mine took about twenty years, give or take a few years when I wasn’t doing much writing due to being knee deep in diapers and then toddlers and…well, life in general. Kudos to you if you’re trying to do this with young kids in the house! I tried and failed too many times. Eventually I realized my dream could wait.

As a published author, I’m often asked what the hardest part about getting published was. I’d like to say all of it, but that’s not entirely true. The hardest part for me was believing in myself. Even after I had an agent. Even after countless writer friends and published authors told me I was good enough, that I could do this, that it would happen, I didn’t quite believe them. Oh, I wanted to. Desperately. But there was that small part of me, still suffering from personal and professional rejections over the years, that said it wasn’t true. Even today with one book on the shelf and doing reasonably well for a debut novel, another book contracted and another manuscript completed and in the hands of my agent, I still don’t quite believe it. I’m still tempted to give in to that thought that I’m going to wake up and realize they were all wrong. I’ll be that one-hit wonder, never to be heard from again.

Some days I need a little chutzpah. And on those days, I’m ever so grateful for you, my friends. My community of writers and readers who’ve been there too. What would we do without each other?

There is so much more that could go into this post, but I thought I’d leave off here and maybe we can have some discussion about it all. Where are you in your writing journey? What are you struggling with right now? Do you have any questions I can maybe help answer for you?

Remember, we’re all in this together.

 

Meet Sandra D. Bricker!

Otherwise known as Sandie!

I got to know Sandie last year when a bunch of us agency mates got together to create a blog. I followed her journey through illness and read her brave posts about getting through it all with grace and courage, and I was inspired. Until we ‘met’, I hadn’t read any of Sandie’s books, but that was soon to change. I picked up Always The Baker, Never The Bride first, and finished it in a couple of sittings. True to her tagline, ‘laugh-out-loud fiction’, it is indeed laugh-out-loud funny. I loved the story, the characters, the setting. I was hooked. Then I read The Big 5-0! . Again, Sandie’s humor shines through this story, and anyone in their 40′s looking toward that ‘big birthday’ will definitely relate to this book! I’m thrilled that Sandie’s latest book, Always The Wedding Planner, Never The Bride has released, because it’s the second in the Emma Rae Creation series, and brings back those lovable characters we met in Always the Baker. If you’re in need of a good laugh, go buy these books!

I’m really pleased that Sandie has agreed to chat with us today, so I’m going to turn the reins over to her as she answers my three questions!

Who Are You?

It seems like a simple question, doesn’t it? Even so, there’s no simple answer. I’m a writer chick, yes. But I’m also a former publicist…an animal activist and dog lover…a diabetic…a cancer survivor…a quirky, somewhat crazy redhead…Well, you see my point.

If I have to narrow it down, I guess I would have to say that WHO I AM is a Christian woman with a call on her life. Although I write “laugh-out-loud” fiction (a fancy way of saying romantic comedy), I’m not your average storyteller. I see my writing as a ministry; hopefully, a vehicle to remind as many people as I can that there is a higher purpose in life than just walking through it. We’re here to serve. Serve God, serve others, serve our destiny. And I’ve found that the best way to drive that message home is on the wheels of laughter. At least for me. A merry heart does good, you know. Like medicine. Or so I’ve been told.

Where Are You Now?

I think I’m at a pretty phenomenal place in my life and career at the moment. Last year was a bit of a wash in many ways because I suffered through a pretty serious illness over five months’ time. But on the up side, I experienced somewhat of a miracle healing in the end, and I managed to accomplish an awful lot considering the fact that I lost such a big chunk of time. And now that I’m well on the road to health and wellness, the blessings continue to flow. I’ve sold several more books, had a couple of nibbles on translating my books to film/television, and I have a lot of love in my life. It’s a pretty great ledge I’m standing on, wouldn’t you say?

Where Are You Going?

My goal for 2012 is to take a more targeted approach to “the business” of writing by revamping my Web site, streamlining my blog with a more organized approach to scheduling posts, and stepping out of my comfort zone by accepting a few speaking engagements. In addition to career plot points, I have some important events and projects coming up in my personal life this year as well. My mom used to say that the only way to get anywhere of significance is to put one foot in front of the other. So that’s where I’m going! One step at a time, onward and upward.

Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for 15+ years. She is now a best-selling, award-winning author of laugh-out-loud fiction for the inspirational market in Tampa, Florida. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds toward diagnostics and a cure. For more information, visit her Web site at www.SandraDBricker.com or her blog at http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com

Those Darn Girls! (Or Maybe I Just Need A Shrink).

One of my biggest struggles as an author is writing female characters with authenticity.

There. I said it.

I think if I could write stories about guys blowing things up and having knock down drag out fights, I’d be a happy camper. But since Ronie Kendig’s got that market cornered, I’m sticking with contemporary romance. Yet every time I begin a new story, it’s like pulling teeth for me to get a good handle on who my female character is. Being a SOTP (seat-of-the-pants) writer and not a plotter, this can be a problem. I can often get a few chapters into a book and realize I don’t like this girl at all. She’s wimpy. Or spoiled. Or just not likable. And then I have to start all over and try to figure out why. Even Kristin in Yesterday’s Tomorrow gave me a fit or two until I knew her inside out and backwards, liked who she was, where she’d been and where she was going.

I have to wonder if those first few attempts at my female characters are somehow a reflection on who I think I am. Now I know that’s deep. And probably a little weird. But I’ve been thinking about it. And it kind of makes sense.  I grew up with boys. I dressed like a boy except on Sundays when my mother went to town and somehow managed to find the most atrocious dresses hidden away in some secret part of my closet. That’s probably where my loathing of going to church manifested. Once I hit school, I went to an all-girls school until I was fifteen. Despite being a tom-boy, I was always painfully shy and hated to be the center of attention in anything. My school years were pretty much a nightmare.

I know girls. I know how they think. I know how they talk. And whisper. And snicker. And, to be perfectly honest, I just don’t like them very much. Not saying I’m not proud of being a woman, because I am. And I love the great romance stories just as much as anyone. But I need to somehow find a way to get over the scars of my past that have somehow cast this dark shadow on any female character I create. It’s getting annoying.

I have some wonderful real-life girlfriends. I love hanging out with them, talking or not talking at all. True friends are hard to come by and I am blessed with more than a few. But put me in a room full of women I don’t know from Adam and I want to run for the door. Chances are I probably will.

What do you think?

Am I just nuts or is any of this resonating with you? Am I the only writer in the world who has trouble in this area? How do I get past this block that seems to land in the road whenever I sit down to create a new character of the fairer sex? Is there hope for me or should I just give up and start writing war stories for good?

What Can Writers Learn from Television?

I meant to be good this year. I don’t normally watch a lot of television. But then I started watching Once Upon A Time. And then I started watching Hart of Dixie. And then…as I was innocently browsing around Facebook late yesterday afternoon…someone who shall remain nameless but not innocent who also happens to be my agent, mentioned Downton Abbey.

As I said, I don’t tend to watch a lot of television. When the set is on, my hubby is usually watching something. Like Food Network or Antiques Roadshow. The only time he’s ever watched PBS  is probably about a few decades ago when we had toddlers in the house. So this one has somehow slipped past me. However, being the curious type, and because my agent said she loved it, I decided to check it out.

As I live in a British Colony, hold a British passport and claim to have been partly educated in England, I love anything made by the Brits. Anything that features rolling hills, sweeping estates and stately manors has me sitting down at once. So sit I did.

Downton Abbey did not disappoint. A wonderful cast of characters with enviously authentic British accents. People of privilege who know how to use a knife and fork properly and which side your wine glass belongs. And there are those who serve them. The struggle of the social system of the day (just pre-WW2), a study in duty and honor and what is right. Along with a few deliciously horrible villains to spice things up. A wonderful plot. And let’s not forget the romance. All these things combined provides a treat for this writer’s soul. And then, to my horror, I discovered I’d missed an entire season of the blasted show. So of course I did what any sensible person would. I downloaded Season One and began watching immediately. I still have a few hours to go, but I believe I can catch up before next week’s episode.

Now before I get into trouble because this is television and not a book – let’s clarify. Any well-written television series starts with a writer who has an idea they are passionate about. It simply has to. Lord knows, there’s enough junk out there to decry this theory, but when you do come across that pearl hidden amongst the swill, doesn’t it renew your faith in mankind as a whole? When you’re glued to the screen, trying to out-think the writer and guess what’s going to come next and realize you’re totally stumped because it’s one surprise after the next, doesn’t it inspire you? Doesn’t it make you want to rush to the computer and start your own best-selling series? As soon as the one you’re watching is over of course.

Great writing, whether it’s a book or a movie made from a book or a television series that everyone’s talking about, excites me. It tells me I’m not alone in the quest for the next great story. I’m sharing my  passion to see another world come alive in front of me with thousands of other like-minded individuals. I am inspired. Awed. And I start taking notes.

I remember when my daughter told us about LOST. We spent months watching the entire six seasons together as a family, and it was a great time. My mind couldn’t keep up with the twists and turns going on in that show. It was genius. And I wanted to be genius too.

I think that as long as we’re watching the right things, writers can learn much from television. Even after just a few hours yesterday, I’m now thinking about my own cast of characters and the particular importance of having that one character that everybody loves to hate. I’ve not been particularly good at including these types in my writing thus far, and I’m challenged to do so. I’m not only entertained, but I’m being educated. It’s not a waste of time, it’s like a necessary extra-curricular.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I shall continue to watch and learn and be inspired. And then I will write. And it will be good.

What about you? Do you learn from television? 

Meet Lindi Peterson!

Romantic comedy author Lindi Peterson burst onto the book scene last year with the release of Her Best Catch. I’ll be the first to admit that in the past I was never a big fan of this genre. ‘Chick Lit’ or ‘Hen Lit’, as it used to be called, just didn’t interest me. Whenever I heard somebody say ‘chick lit’, I immediately thought of a pack of gum, a gaggle of giggling girls and basically wanted to hightail it in the opposite direction.

I’m so glad somebody came up with the bright idea of simply calling these stories what they are – romantic comedies. God definitely has a sense of humor, because most of the great critique partners I’ve had over the years write in this genre. I’ve slowly learned to love it. And, as fate would have it, Lindi and I ended up becoming critique partners too, and her books have convinced me that I do indeed love romantic comedy! Thankfully she’s not opposed to a little angst and books that’ll deplete your Kleenex supply in a hurry, which is what I tend to write.  Lindi and I have become good friends, as often happens when you find a great CP, and even got to meet in person last year in Atlanta!

If you’re a Jenny B. Jones or Sandie Bricker fan, you’re going to love Lindi Peterson. But enough of my bragging, let me turn you over to Lindi!

The Word of The Year

In strolling around the Internet over the New Year’s holiday, I’ve seen a lot of posts regarding people’s ‘word of the year.’ Either it’s a new thing or I’ve been oblivious in previous years to notice this as a trend.

A trend I must say I like.

I don’t feel confident in stating my specific Word yet. I’ve not prayed on it enough. But there is one word that keeps coming to mind.

Passion.

I have a speaking engagement in January and I had to come up with something to speak about. (A great concept, right?) After much searching and praying the talk ended up being titled, Passion Wins! A little spin on the controversial Rob Bell book title, Love Wins.

As we pen our novels, I do believe sheer passion can get us through the most difficult times. The lagging middle, the subplot that isn’t working, even the days in front of a blank page. I believe that we have a passion for the process as well as the story.  Certainly not all aspects of the process or the story, but the ones we do have a passion for must carry us through the rough spots.

I also believe we all have a core passion that comes across in our works. If you’ve written more than one novel, look into the stories you’ve told. I’m sure there is a consistent theme running through them. When we dig down deep to find our message, our passion, the stories you write will sing with your song. The song only you know the words to.

I’m also a visually inspired person. Don’t give me a manual and tell me to read about how to set up the new DVR. Just SHOW me! One of my bulletin boards I look at while I’m writing inspires this passion. On it are lots of things about my June 2012 release, Summer Song. Britney on the front of People magazine with the headline—My New Life. Summer, in my novel, is a singer who is starting a new life. Perfect! Also, you see a piece of paper with words written on it. Those are words to the song, Trying To Make You Sing, by my favorite band, The David Crowder Band. Those words are the heart of the story. And the couple in the ad at the top right corner totally showed the attitude of my novel.  There’s also some contest finals certificates and a small post card of my first published novel, Her Best Catch, which came out March 2011.

All sorts of inspiration.

All indicators of my passion.

What about you? Do you know your message? Do you know what you are passionate about?

We’re giving away 2 gift copies of my March 2011 release, Her Best Catch. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

 

A special thanks to Cathy—a fabulous author!! (And a great friend!) I appreciate you having my on your blog.

About Her Best Catch:

Allison Doll’s mother is rebelliously turning fifty, her two best friends have started dating and a gorgeous injured relief pitcher named Ashton Boyd has joined her Sunday school class, rocking her world into confusion, heartache and temptation, places she hasn’t visited in a long time, much less all at once.

But with the help of family, old friends she really hasn’t lost, a new friend she really can count on, and God, she begins to find out whether she’ll always be a girl waiting for life to happen or a woman who’s ready to commit to her best catch.

Lindi Peterson definitely believes happy endings are just the beginning. She lives out her real life romance with her husband in a small Georgia town. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, bowl and spend time with her family.

Visit her at: LindiPeterson.com or TheFaithGirls.com