Janice Thompson's Blog, page 20

Seven Days to Better Writing

What if I told you that your whole life could change in a week? You would sit up and take notice, right? The truth is, it can. If you're a writer, all you need is one dedicated week to turn your career around.

DAY ONE: Spend a full day thinking about the topics that make sense to you (and your life experiences). Come up with a dozen ideas (for articles and/or books) to fit your life's theme. Spend at least an hour free writing.
DAY TWO: Set major career goals. Write down where you hope to be in one month. One year. Three years. Five years. Write down your financial goals. Next, come up with a strategy to take you from Point A to Point B. Will you write fiction or non-fiction? Magazine articles? Devotions? Will you "brand" yourself by writing one particular genre, (say, romantic comedy)? Spend at least an hour writing a piece about how your life will change once these goals are met.
DAY THREE: Begin to diligently study the craft. When I first started writing, I picked up every book on writing I could afford. I read books on novel writing, magazine article writing, self-editing and so on. I participated in online writing courses, focusing primarily on my passion: fiction writing. My passion to learn captivated me. Inspired me. Motivated me. Perhaps you can relate. You're ready to dive in. Do so…then spend at least an hour crafting the opening scene to a new book (or a magazine article that you hope to submit). Afterwards, look at it with an editor's eye, weeding out passive verbs and making sure it has a strong hook.
DAY FOUR: Surround yourself with writers. There are a host of organizations you can join, both national and local. Look for a critique group in your area. Link arms with bloggers online. Once that's done, spend at least an hour working on the book or article you started yesterday.
DAY FIVE: Incorporate fiction techniques in your non-fiction and non-fiction techniques in your fiction. Fiction techniques would include great characterization, plotting and strong themes. Non-fiction techniques would include writing tight, clear takeaways and compelling stories. Spend at least an hour adding these techniques to your work in progress.
DAY SIX: Figure out which publishing houses you would like to eventually target. If you don't own the writer's market guide, then join www.writersmarket.com. Membership is not terribly expensive and will open up a whole new world of possibilities. If you're interested in writing for the Christian market, pick up a copy of Sally Stuart's "Christian Writers Market Guide." Look through every publishing house that fits your brand and your genre.
DAY SEVEN: Rest your mind, body and brain. Most writers burn out because they don't take time to refuel.

There you have it, my friends. It's going to be a busy week, but what wonderful prospects you will face at the end of it!

Christmas 2011: My Favorite Things

Before we leap into a new year, I want to pause to reflect on the season directly behind us. Christmas '11 was awesome! I have so many things to be thankful for. I decided to list them all, so that I would never forget.

1). One of my favorite things about this Christmas season was directing the play at my new church, The Light Community Fellowship. The pastor and his wife (Ron and Ava Bates) have welcomed us with open arms. So have the members of the congregation. They're easy to love! I had the time of my life directing "The Good News," a play I co-authored and co-directed with my daughter, Randi Morrow. What a blessing!

2). Shopping with my mom. My mother loves to shop, but never so much as during the Christmas season. I got tickled a lot watching her pick out gifts for the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

3). Speaking of kids and grandkids…have I mentioned that I adore mine? I'm especially grateful for the extra time with the granddaughters this season: baking, going to the movies, eating Chinese food and opening presents.

4). Time off from writing. Okay, everyone knows I love to write, but I also enjoy taking a Sabbath rest every now and again. This Christmas season provided just the right time away from my work to rest and relax.

5). An awesome church service on Christmas morning! Three of my family members (Randi, Megan and Kevin) sang beautiful Christmas songs. I'm one proud mama!

6). Baked goods. After nearly a year of staying away from sugar, I indulged in a few (well deserved) sweets this Christmas season. My mom is a great candy-maker and cookie-baker. I also baked a few cookies and cakes, myself. I didn't go overboard (still dieting) but managed to hold my own while nibbling. Now it's time to put the sweets behind me and get back to the business of regular living/eating.

7). Awesome friends. I had so many lovely lunches, brunches, etc. this holiday season. God has blessed me with amazing, godly friends who love to celebrate the season!

8). The return of my Michigan-daughter, Courtney Elizabeth (and her sweet hubby, Andy). They're back in Texas! This was our first Christmas together in years and I'm so blessed they're home again!

9). New readers. Thanks to the kindle and kindle fire, my freebie novel (Fools Rush In) is back on the religious fiction bestseller list. I couldn't be more grateful. This gives me a new opportunity, to reach out to more/new readers than ever. Thank you again and again to those who've helped spread the word.

10). Last (but definitely not least): a resurgence in my spiritual life/faith. This has been an awesome season of seeking God for 2012. His specific word to me for this coming year: JOY! Yep, joy. Not the kind you drum up, but a deep, abiding, God-breathed joy that energizes and brings life.

So, there you have if, friends! I'm tickled pink to transition from 2011 to 2012, but needed to pause to say thanks for such a blessed Christmas season!

 

Five Things a Writer can Learn from American Idol

American Idol will soon enter its 11th season and is still going strong, in spite of changes. New judges sit behind the desk, new singers belt out tunes, and new viewers pick up phones to vote for their favorites.

What does this have to do with writing? Everything! If writers pay close attention, they can learn many lessons as they watch American Idol.

LESSON ONE: Not everyone is ready to have a camera put in his/her face. C'mon now. You know what I mean. Some of those singers are no more ready to stand in front of the judges than some writers are ready to present their work to an editor or agent. Don't embarrass yourself by thinking you're "all that" when you haven't taken the time to learn the craft. Do what you can to present yourself in the best possible light. Go to conferences. Take online writing courses. Establish yourself in a small venue before going large.
LESSON TWO: When a gifted singer feels "the call" to sing, he or she travels from wherever they are to wherever auditions are being held. Same with the writer. She drives from Kansas to Texas for a conference. She flies from Cleveland to Denver to meet the editor of her dreams. Why? Because she's driven. She knows in her knower that she must go, just as that singer knows he must make it to the audition site.
LESSON THREE: Nerves can bring you down in a hurry. You've seen those gifted singers fold like a deck of cards during Hollywood week. Pressure can be a horrible thing, even for a truly gifted vocalist. The same is true with the writer. When the pressures of rejection, writer's block, conference expenses, critique group issues, financial strain, contract woes hit…your nerves can get the better of you. Don't let them! Make up your mind to stay calm and steady, no matter what threatens to veer you off-course.
LESSON FOUR: When the time is right, you will be chosen. Don't you love it when the spotlight hits the right singer at the right time? Feels like magic, doesn't it? The same is true with your writing. At just the right time, an editor will fall in love with your manuscript. At just the right time, a heavenly light will shine on your work, and agents, readers, critique partners and publishing houses will take notice. Hang on, writer. Your day is coming!
LESSON FIVE: You will be judged. There will always be those ready to offer advice—some good and some bad—regarding your work. Keep a stiff upper lip when that editor asks for a rewrite. Don't crater when a reader offers a poor review. Celebrate when you're told the book/article is great, but don't let it go to your head. More judgment is just around the corner.

 

You might never sing on the stage in front of millions of people, but it's likely your words will appear in print for thousands to read. What a wonderful day that will be!

 

 

Merry Christmas 2011!

A Special Holiday Note from Janice Thompson

Fa-la-la-la-la!

I feel like singing this Christmas! Why? So many great things are happening. . .all at once!

IN MY WRITING: Books, books and more books! My goodness, what fun I'm having, writing and promoting them. I've wrapped up two books for Summerside and am currently writing book one in the Weddings by Bella spin-off series. Can't wait! If you haven't read Fools Rush In (the first Bella book) it's currently free on kindle. I'm marketing Hello Hollywood and Love Finds You in Groom Texas. If you like to laugh, check them out!

IN MY CHURCH LIFE: My daughter Randi was offered the position of worship leader at The Light Community Fellowship in Willis Texas, so we've transferred our membership there. I'm loving it! Just the right size and definitely our kind of church family. Such great people, and the Spirit of the Lord is present at every service.

IN MY FAMILY: God is on the move! My mom, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren are such a blessing! We've had great quality time together this past year and I look forward to even more in 2012. In the meantime, please humor me by letting me post a few pics of the family.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

 

 

From Mii to Wii: Writing a Relevant Article

        So, you want to write magazine articles to earn extra money? Great! Freelance writing is a great way to earn cash. Let's assume you've already taken the time to learn the various article types and know how to slant a great piece to fit an editor's needs. Your writing is strong, your topic compelling, your deadline looming.

What's missing?

I'd like to suggest one thing you might have overlooked: the Wii factor. Oh, not the Nintendo version. I'm referring to the "we" factor: universal appeal.

Many twenty-first century articles are focused on the writer, not the reader. We need to reverse that. Any piece you write—personal experience, how-to, informative, inspirational—must ultimately be about the reader, not the writer. Engage him. Uplift him. Sweep him into your story with you. Remind him of something that happened in his childhood. Evoke a strong memory. How? You've got to shift from the "Mii" mentality to the "Wii" mentality.

So much of this comes down to captivating the reader. You can win him over with a great story that has a compelling takeaway. Make sure the "tiny nugget of truth" is something he can relate to. If you're writing about a fishing experience you had as a child, for example, drive home the point that your grandfather taught you how to reel in that first fish. His hand tenderly wrapped yours on the pole as that tiny catfish lifted out of the water. Grandpa celebrated alongside you, and taught you by example that quality time spent with a child far exceeds any other gift you could give. (See the takeaway? It's clear, isn't it? And it probably reminds you of someone who poured into your life as a child. That's the point, after all. It's the nugget of truth that you, the reader, carry away.)

Think about your work in progress. What sort of article is it? How can you take that piece to the next level? Pause to really think about your reader. Who is he/she? Why will this person care about your story? What's in it for him? What emotions are you trying to tap into? Will he walk away from your article feeling uplifted? Does your story hit the mark or will the reader toss the magazine down on the coffee table, feeling like he's been left out?

It's not about "Mii," even in a personal experience piece. It's always about "Wii" (us/the human race/the reader specific).

Here's a fun suggestion, in closing: Cut a picture of a man or woman out of a magazine and tape it to the wall above your desk. Write for him. Write for her. Write for "Wii."

Stepping Up the Submission Ladder

            Much of what we write will never be published outside of a blog, newsletter or email. Sure, our critique partners read our stories and cover them in red ink, but that's not quite the same thing as seeing it in book form. Oh, how we long to call ourselves "published authors." There's something about getting published that validates our writing.

So, what does it take to transition from unpublished to published? Is there some sort of magic formula? I would like to offer my thoughts in three basic steps.

STEP ONE: Write the manuscript of your heart. I mean this quite seriously. If you write on a subject you're passionate about, it will show in your writing. Don't worry about what's trendy and what's not. Trends change as quickly as the seasons. Above all else, as you're writing that manuscript, don't let others—even well meaning critique partners—rob you of your unique voice. I know, I know…those naysayers are everywhere. I've heard plenty of them over the years. And I listened to a few, who nearly derailed me. Just stay the course. Write, write, write, then edit, edit, edit.
STEP TWO: Take the time to learn the submission process. I'll give you the basics here. Research the publishing house(s) you will target. Write a professional query letter, sharing a bit about yourself and the manuscript. Send it to the editor at the house (in the appropriate department) and use his/her actual name in the email. If the editor is interested, send a brilliantly written book proposal. This proposal will share the book's genre, word count, synopsis, marketing strategy, comparative analysis, and will share all sorts of information about you, the author. The publisher wants to know what groups/organizations you belong to, your prior publishing credits, if any, and any other pertinent information. If you've been building a platform by writing a blog, this will be helpful, so list it. If you're a sought-after public speaker, list this, too.
STEP THREE: Understand the seasons. Your book (or article) will likely face multiple rejections. Don't let this get you down. Remember, you want your story to land at the perfect house…and at just the right time. Everything has its season, and seasons are cyclical. A "no" today could be a "yes" tomorrow. And trust me when I say that it's more important to land at the right house than to get published right away. Trust that the season you're in won't last forever. Keep your chin up, keep submitting, and never, never, never give up.

So, there you have it. Three steps toward publication. Deep breath, author! Now…take that first step!

What Writing Season Are You In?

To Everything – Turn, Turn, Turn…

The changing of the seasons. We all know what it feels like as the hot days of summer shift into the cool, crisp days of autumn. We button our coats and brace ourselves as fall leaves are replaced by winter's frost. Our hearts open as we prepare ourselves for the spring, hoping for that first burst of colorful flowers. Before long, we're looking for new summer clothes and talking about that diet we must go on before we'd ever be caught dead in a bathing suit. We cycle round and round, bouncing from one season to the next.

It's the same with our writing, really.

Writing changes with the various seasons of our lives. If we're walking through a summer season (when everything is in full bloom), we can expect the writing to flow as never before. There won't be enough hours in the day. There won't be enough pages in our journal. There won't be enough ink in our printers. Perhaps, however, you're walking through an autumn. Everything around you appears to be dying, drying up. Words won't flow. Ideas won't come (or, if they do, they don't seem to pan out).

If you're in an "autumn" I want you to take heart!

Remember that seasons ALWAYS end. They never last forever. And seasons always work to our benefit. We need them! Maybe you're in a winter season and have laid down the writing for awhile until the snow thaws. Enjoy the period of rest. It will not last forever! Before long, the ice will drip from tree branches and buds will appear! Your "writing springtime" will bring great excitement! Ideas will keep you awake at night. You'll carry a tablet with you wherever you go! Everything will seem new and fresh. And your "want to" will return.

Regardless of what writing season you're in, remember it can be used to your physical and psychological benefit. After all, we couldn't work full-force year-round. Our bodies simply couldn't handle it.

Don't fight the seasons, friends.

Relish them. Embrace them. Work with them. And they will work for you!

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

When it comes to the financial, I could probably divide most of the women I know into two categories. About half are financially secure, thanks to a great paying job or a husband with an awesome career. The other half are struggling to ends meet. Among those who are struggling, some are stay-at-home moms. Others are single moms, working like crazy to pay the bills. Some are caregivers for aging parents, wondering if they'll ever catch a break. And some are in their golden years, wondering if they'll ever be able to afford to retire.

Most girls would—as the Madonna song alludes to—rather be having fun. However, with their current job schedules, laundry, diaper changes, and countless hours spent driving to soccer practice, ballet class, PTA meetings and the like, they simply don't have the time. Nor do most have the energy to think about taking on more work, particularly outside the home. That's why freelancing is perfect for women, particularly those in need of earning extra money on the side.

So, what's a weary woman to do? How does she get started writing for pay? I would recommend a couple of great online writing courses on how to be a freelance writer. It's never too late to start learning, even if you've already got a college degree. Freelancing is a competitive game and you've got to have an edge.

From there, begin to write what you know. For most women, that will include relationship issues, parenting, empty nest, stay-at-home mom, job-related issues, care-giving, marital issues, home improvement and the like. Your topics should be an honest reflection of who you are. There's no "fake it until you make it" in writing. If you're not genuine, readers will pick up on it. (And let's face it…women are very discerning. They will know if you're pandering to them.)

Next, write a one thousand word article. Be sure to include a great hook, something that will reel in other women. You want them to relate to you.

Have a good friend—someone you trust—read over the piece to make sure it hits the mark. Ask her these questions: "Does the article leave you feeling better about life?" "Did you grasp the takeaway (nugget of truth) at the end?" "Is my writing style engaging?" If she offers suggestions, take them.

When you're sure the article is strong enough, visit www.writersmarket.com online and research the various magazine publishers. Query the editor, letting him know about your piece (and your platform, if applicable). If it's a good fit, he will ask to see it.

From there, you never know what will happen! The next article might get picked up for a larger price, and the next might make a good foundation for a book. A year from now, you could be bringing in more money than you ever imagined.

Yep. Girls just wanta have funds. And they want to have fun bringing them in! So, what's stopping you? Get busy writing, ladies!

Writing Like a Rock Star

Think back to your teen years. What sort of music did you listen to? Country? Ballads? Jazz? Rock? Regardless, you probably supported your favorite musicians by purchasing their albums and hanging goofy-looking posters on your wall. You listened to their amazing tunes for hours on end, wishing you could step into the singer's shoes for one, brief, magical moment.

Pause to think about your favorite musician. What was it about him (or her) that you wanted to emulate? Here's what I liked about some of my favorites:

They paid their dues. Many sang back-up for years or played small venues before "making it big."
They were fearless. They stood on that stage and sang/played their hearts out.
They were talented. Not just a little talented, but over-the-top skilled. They didn't stand up there half-singing. They gave it their all!
They had a certain "sparkle and shine." They stood out above other artists because they had something special.
They were "known." All I had to do was say the name of the artist or group—Kansas, Styx, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Janis Ian, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Queen—and everyone knew who you were talking about.

These musicians stood the test of time. They weren't just flash-in-the-pan artists.

Now think about these things in light of your writing. Most of us set out to write that first book thinking we'll be famous. We hear the words "pay your dues" and pray they don't apply to us. We're not willing to play the small venues (i.e. write for the church newsletter, compose blog entries, etc.). We want to jump straight to the big time. More often than not, we're not ready. We should follow the lead of our musical superstars and work, work, work our way up the ladder. We need to take writing courses, go to conferences and lean heavily on our critique partners.

We have a lot to learn when it comes to being fearless, too. Oh, sure…we say we're bold. We say we're brave. But when the rubber meets the road—say, we have an opportunity to sit across from an editor or agent at a conference—we shake in our boots. It's time to stand straight and tall. Summon up the courage to see this thing through from start to finish.

Our musical stars inspire us with their talent, but great talent doesn't just happen. Most of us have to work hard to learn the craft. Writers grow into their talent with extensive training.

Sure, rock stars sparkle and shine. They're in the spotlight, after all. But, what about you? What sets you apart from the crowd? Do you have that little something extra? Writers set themselves apart by using strong verbs and writing tight, brilliant stories and articles.

One final thing in closing: being "known" is great—and many writers have achieved that sort of success. But consider the fact that most writing is done in solitude. We're not in front of the cameras or the lights, singing our hearts out. We're sitting in front of a computer screen, pounding out words, then paragraphs, then whole stories.

My advice for the day? Be a rock star! Strive to be the very best you can be.

From Houston to Hollywood…and Back Again!

South Texas author Janice Hanna Thompson never dreamed she would leave the Houston area for the bright lights of Hollywood, but that's exactly what happened. In 1977, at the tender at of eighteen, she grabbed onto her father's coattails and high-tailed it to L.A. so that he could pursue his dream of breaking into the movie business. And that's precisely what he did. . .with her help.

"I still remember the day he asked me to co-author Liar's Moon," Thompson says. "I was scared to death. Still, I think my dad saw something in me that I didn't see in myself, at least not at the time. He knew my writing skills were strong. I wasn't so sure." The screenplay went on to be produced in the Houston area in the early 80s. It starred a young Matt Dillon. The movie garnered acclaim for both Thompson and her father, local businessman, Billy Hanna, who moved back to Texas for the production of the film.

Hanna passed away in 2006, but his memories remain alive. "My dad was always a dreamer," Thompson says. "Unlike most other people, he usually got what he went after. He was passionate about his work, and his interests varied. He owned a computer company, wrote country-western songs, and was thrilled to acquire Sunny's Halo, a Kentucky Derby winner and Texas' all time leading sire by progeny earnings. I'm very proud of my dad and want to keep his legacy alive through my writing."

That's exactly what Thompson set out to do with the release of her latest novel, Hello Hollywood, a comedic romance set in L.A. "I wrote the story to honor my father and to pay tribute to our time together in Los Angeles. The key player in the story is a sitcom writer who's infatuated with The Dick Van Dyke Show. This, too, is a nod to my father, who loved the great television sitcoms of the past."

Thompson, the author of nearly eighty novels and non-fiction books, was thrilled to set this latest story in the heart of Hollywood on a sitcom set. Staying true to her comedic voice was key, since her father had a great sense of humor. And critics are picking up on that light-hearted style. According to Library Journal, "This fun entry in Thompson's comic Hollywood series features humor, romance, and breezy dialog." Other reviewers agree. "Comedic timing is an art form," says Ane Mulligan of Novel Rocket reviews, "and Janice Thompson is a master. Her romantic comedies keep getting better and better. I laughed all the way through Hello, Hollywood! The story is reminiscent of the old Hollywood sitcoms – the days of I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dyke. If you like to laugh-and who doesn't?-treat yourself to a rollicking good read."

Thompson gets a kick out of making people laugh. "It's what I live for. I think my tagline, 'Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters' sums up how I feel about the light-hearted approach to life. There's enough tragedy out there. I hope to lift spirits with my stories. I think my father would've been proud. In fact, I can almost see him smiling now."

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HELLO HOLLYWOOD OVERVIEW: When it comes to love, one thing's for sure–it doesn't follow a script! Athena Pappas is the head writer on Stars Collide, one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition–and attraction–between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem writing the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script? With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as Athena and Stephen discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

 

To stay in touch with Janice:






Website: www.janicehannathompson.com
Twitter: booksbyjanice
Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson
Facebook "Dream Team" (Private Readers Group)
Linked In: Janice Hanna Thompson
Writing Courses: www.freelancewritingcourses.com