Angela Ackerman's Blog: Writers Helping Writers, page 177

Connecting With Creatives

Hi everyone, there's two great things I want to mention today. The first is that my friend Elana Johnson's new book Surrender has hit the shelves! I'm incredibly excited for her, because she's a great person and strong force of good in the Writing Community. Too, she's worked incredibly hard to create a companion book to Possession that keeps us in Vi's world but shows us something new and fresh through the eyes of two new characters, Raine and Gunner.



Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father's rules: He's the Director. It's because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent--a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.



All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....



I love the irony of a city named Freedom in a world where everything is controlled--brilliant. Anyway, slide on over to Elana's blog to see all the awesome release stuff going on (you can read the first 100 pages free!), and add her book to Goodreads if you'd like!



The second big news I want to share is WANA INTERNATIONAL. Many of you know Kristen Lamb, and how she is amazingly adept at understanding and forecasting the twists and turns of Social Media, and how it best can benefit artists without sucking away every drop of time and creativity. Well, with WANA INTERNATIONAL, she's and her business partner Ingrid Schaffenburg, are embracing the vision of having one place for all creatives to gather for support, friendship, knowledge sharing and collaboration.





Meet Francis, WANA's Mascot
WANA’s Mission:



WANA is seeking to fill a vacuum. We were inspired by the movie “Midnight in Paris.” We found ourselves longing for a time when creative people—ALL types of creative people—could all hang out, talk, chat, brainstorm, help each other, etc. 



One of the things that bothers me about social media is that I see a lot of inbreeding. Writers talk all to writers about writing and that is good, but after time it stagnates. No new blood and no new ideas. Thus, WANA will solve this problem. —Kristen Lamb



I don't know about you, but I think there is so much to be inspired by in this world. Each day we see collaborations take place between Technology & Environmentalists, between Google and NASA and the result is a fresh perspective, and incredible results. 

What might happen if writers did the same? What if they reached beyond the writing community to meld withe the talents and ideas of other creative disciplines? If you're interested in seeing how this question is answered, check it out. WANA will offer many opportunities, including a large education component. There's also a Ning site for socializing and to better aid collaboration as well. You can find me there as well.

Becca and I hope to teach a few webinars in the not-so-distant future at WANA, so look for us there in the coming months. :) 

WRITING HERO: Jami Gold

Well after an insanely busy May which featured the release of The Emotion Thesaurus, an awesome Random Acts of Kindness Blitz for Writers, two kids birthday parties, one new house, and a class camping trip that the school forgot to tell me about...Becca and I are getting back into a routine again. And, along those lines, we're also returning to our Writing Heroes Series, where we acknowledge the people who have helped us develop into stronger writers and who add to the writing community as a whole. These heroes really make an impact, and deserve recognition for all they do.



So with that, I'd like to tell you about my Writing Hero, JAMI GOLD. 



I met Jami through Twitter, where I quickly discovered that not only was she super friendly, she also had a treasure trove of writing information at her blog, Beach Reads With Bite. From there I found out that she had a zombie cat, and this reaffirmed what I suspected--she was one of the most awesome people ever. 



One thing I love about Jami is that she really pays attention to the mood in the writing community. She always posts timely articles on what's happening, how writers feel about it, and what her take is. Some people stay away from topics that are sensitive or might cause friction, but Jami knows that writers need to understand the climate we all work in in order to navigate the ups and downs. Whether on writing life or the how-to's of writing craft, her posts always offer sound ideas and advice. 



I had an opportunity to read some of Jami's work, and I really loved it. I won't post spoilers, but her premise took on high fantasy idea which she then re-genred (probably not a word, but it fits) as a contemporary romance. Brilliant!



Anyone who knows Jami will not be surprised to see her featured here. She is always willing to help, advise, and offer encouraging words to those who need it. She works hard to forge friendships and stay connected to writers. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and more!



Thank you Jami, for being one of my WRITING HEROES. You inspire me, woman!



To pay it forward, I will give a 1000-word critique to Jami. She can then choose to keep it for herself or offer it as a giveaway on her blog! As a resident writing hero, she will also have a permanent link in our header.



So tell me Musers...do you know Jami Gold? Has she helped you or your writing in some way? Please tell us in the comments and help celebrate this amazing WRITING HERO!  

Emotional Profiling at Just Jemi

Happy Monday, Musers! I'm over at Just Jemi today, talking about the importance of knowing your character's Emotional Temperament. Once you've gotten your coffee and a doughnut hole or three, feel free to pop on over and say good morning to Jemi and her followers :).

Character Trait Entry: Courage

Definition:  mental or moral resilience to face opposition, danger or difficulties, despite one's own fear



Causes: A desire to honor family or role model heroes by living up to their moral strength and/or sacrifice; a belief that one must not let fear stand in the way of what is right; a need to protect others from harm or suffering; a very strong moral code; the belief that one person can make a difference and that the future is determined by one's own actions.



Characters in Literature: Harry Potter (Harry Potter); Hans Hubermann (The Book Thief); Frodo (Lord of the Rings); Willow (Willow)



Positives: Courageous characters will make up for what is lacking in any circumstance they deem necessary. After reflection or a moral assessment, they will step up in a situation, no matter the odds, because they know inside it is the right thing to do. People who show courage have a core of inner strength, a strong moral compass and put the welfare of others first when it counts most. They are willing to stand up for their beliefs regardless of risk. They feel fear, but have mastered it, and do not allow it to motivate their choices or decisions. Characters who are courageous lead by example, even if they are unsuited to a task, or realize a great deal of work lies ahead. Others are inspired by courage and often strive to honor it by showing courage themselves.



Negatives: Courage, while commendable, is not always smart. This type of character cannot always see beyond the immediate situation to the long term impacts of a choice or action. Sometimes wisdom is overridden by the need to stop something from happening, and from the desire to act. Courageous people can be impulsive and react emotionally to what's happening around them when pausing to think of the best course of action is what is really needed. 



Common Portrayals: Military soldiers, police, fire and rescue first responders, political activists; court case witnesses to crime



Cliches to Avoid: the hero who is the complete package--strength, courage, intelligent, good looks, popular, etc.; having a minor character be the courageous yet wasteful sacrifice as a plot device to show the strength of the villain



Twists on the Traditional Courageous:  


 Characters with courage draw admiration, because somewhere deep inside, we want to believe we too would show the same courage and fortitude when faced with a similar choice or situation. Shake things up by giving your hero an unlikable flaw that lessens his appeal, making him more realistic.
Warrior and courage are not synonymous. Internal strength comes in all all shapes and sizes, so consider making your character someone who is not the best choice for what is ahead.
Courage is to act despite fear, but every character has a breaking point. What's your character's, and how can they move past it to succeed?





Conflicting Characteristics to Make your Courageous Unique or More Interesting: Naive; Proper; Shy; Impulsive; Eccentric; Worry Wart






**Special Note! Today the gracious Lindsey and Lindsey of After The Ending are hosting us at their blog to give one of our older posts a bit of love. Aren't they awesome? Please stop in and say hello!

Keep Calm And Query On WINNER!

Hi everyone! Wow, we had a huge response to Luke Reynold's awesome and inspiring post about courage, both here and on twitter. I think so many of us can relate to his analogy, not only for querying, but for so many parts of the writing and publishing process. It requires a lot of courage to say the words, I am a writer. It takes a lot of courage to ask someone to critique our work. And it especially requires a lot of courage to take that final step into publication by actively sending our stories out the door.



So here's to courage! I am so proud of every one of you, and the determination you show each day as you create, strive and improve. No matter where you are on the path, courage will keep you moving toward your goals.



Okay, I know everyone wants me to shut up an announce a winner! The Random.org Gods have conferred, and the person winning author Luke Reynold's generous prize of a Query critique, phone chat to discuss writing/querying & a copy of his inspiring book, Keep Calm And Query On is...*drumroll*



Sheila Good

Congrats to Sheila--I know this will help you so much! And a big squishy thank you to Luke Reynolds for hanging out with us here at The Bookshelf Muse, and for his stellar RAOK Blitz inspired giveaway!

Keep Calm And Query On + Giveaway!

We all know how tough it is to write a query. Condensing thousands upon thousands of words into a teeny-tiny pitch that will evoke such a powerful response that the recipient will request the entire thing? Talk about pressure. But even more so, I think querying is difficult because we understand that once the query is perfected, we must take the next step and actually hit SEND.



Today Luke Reynolds, author of Keep Calm and Query On , is with us, and why? Because he gets it. Luke understands the pressure writers are under, and the strength they must muster in order to become their book's advocate, so keep reading!



Good Old Fashioned Middle School Courage

In the seventh grade, I had a massive crush on a girl and so I did the noble, sensible, courageous thing: I wrote her a note, folded it into an origami masterpiece, and passed it off to a friend, who passed it off to a friend, who passed it off to a friend who happened to know THE girl.



What did the note say? It was a query, of course. And the substance of the query was nothing less than putting my gooey, vulnerable, passion-filled heart on the line with essentially one solitary question: Will you go out with me?



Now, as a post-thirty-year old writer, I realize that I never stopped asking that question. Now I ask it in different ways, and I ask it to different people. (Thank goodness one young woman finally had the patience to say that amazing word, yes, to me, and I’ve not let her go ever since.) And as a writer, you’re still asking it, too, folding your middle school note in various ways and packing it off to someone who knows someone. Now that someone is an agent or editor, who you hope will write back and to share that miraculous YES that lets you know they’re interested in a long-term, committed relationship.



But the dilemma for us writers hasn’t changed. The essential question is still the same: How do we work up the courage to write the note, send it off, and if we’re rejected, ask someone else?



The answer lies, I think, in two steps:



1) Take yourself more seriously



I remember reading that critically acclaimed author John Gardner once got so fed up by the lack of response and rejection to his queries and partials that he eventually walked into Knopf’s New York office with two of his novels in brown paper bags, demanding that someone read the darn things. Gardner took himself and his work seriously: he knew that what he was writing had worth. An act of such confidence bespeaks incredible courage for a writer—the middle school equivalent of asking out the interested party on stage, with a microphone, during a full-school assembly.



Do we take ourselves this seriously? Do we believe in our work, in our words, this deeply? I would hesitate to recommend you show up at an agent’s home with your manuscript in hand—publishing times have certainly changed!—but you and I need to learn to see ourselves as writers who have something to offer the world. We need to say the following refrain: I have stories to share. Without my telling them, the world will be worse off for it; my stories matter. This helps us make that decision to write the dang query note—and get something sent off into the world of possibility.



2) Take yourself less seriously



The flip side of # 1, however, is that we also need to take ourselves less seriously. In middle school, if you were the kind of person who asked out that ONE girl or guy, got a rejection, then went back home and vowed you would NEVER DO IT AGAIN, then now (as an adult writer) is the time to change. Take yourself less seriously. You send off a query note to an agent and get a form rejection? See this as a small thing: not a world-shaking event that now puts you in the class of Never Will It Ever Happen.



Instead, we can tell ourselves, I’ve got to get it out there again. Writing isn’t all about the outcome; writing is about the writing, too, the fun and freedom of creation. Taking ourselves less seriously is akin to throwing that middle-school crush note out there, but realizing that you’re probably not going to marry the recipient of the note. No! Be gone wedding ceremonies for seventh-graders! Now, as adult writers, we take a step back and loosen our own standards—imposing the serious requirement that we constantly prove ourselves. When faced with rejections for our words, we even learn to be (dare I say it) a little bit silly.



My three-year old son Tyler, one night after dinner, said, “I am going to do something really, really good.” He then proceeded to take off his pants, pull two kitchen chairs together, and climb on top of them. Once in that lofty position, he exclaimed, “I don’t know what I am going to do yet, but it’s going to be REALLY SUPER GOOD.” Sometimes, taking ourselves less seriously requires that we, too, take off all the formalities of our writerly clothing, climb atop our desk chairs, and shout to the world of our workspaces something akin to what my son shouted.



When we affirm both the seriousness of our vocation as writers, yet at the same time allow ourselves to be gloriously human and fallible, I think we unlock a certain kind of magic. And I believe with all my heart that this magic is called courage. 



Luke Reynolds is also the author of A Call to Creativity and co-editor of Burned In and Dedicated to the People of Darfur. He is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. You can find him blogging at Intersections, or at his website.



In Keep Calm And Query On , Luke discusses not only his journey as a writer, but shares his interviews with powerful and prolific authors, including Jane Smiley, Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket), Kathryn Erskine, George Saunders, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and David Wroblewski. They discuss their worst rejections, their first publications, what keeps them motivated, and why they believe in the power of words.



Are you querying now? Gathering up the courage to query? Inspired by our recent Random Acts of Kindness Blitz, Luke is offering up an amazing giveaway: a query critique, a phone chat to talk about your book query and putting yourself out there, & a copy of Keep Calm And Query On!



Want to win? Just click on this SUPER SIMPLE FORM! We'll announce the winner on Thursday, May 31st!



Tell me, what has kept you on the writing path? If you're querying, what has helped you find the courage to hit SEND?



Contest is now closed--thank you all for entering, and good luck!

Spies, Murder, and Mystery

Happy Wednesday, Musers! I just got back from a little jaunt to Disney to celebrate my daughter's birthday. I'd share all the happy-go-lucky pictures, but there are none, as is evidenced by her refusal to smile in just about all of them. At least I don't have to worry about her entering the high-stress fields of acting or modeling.














Speaking of happy-go-lucky, I skipped over to Laura Pauling's blog today to celebrate her book launch and share my thoughts on Taking the Mystery out of Editing Those Pesky Subplots. Or, if you prefer: Biscuits and Subplots and Cake, Oh My! Every good spy needs an alias, so I figured my post should have one, too. Even though it has nothing to do with spies. And very little to do with cake.



Regardless, if you've got a sec, please stop by and congratulate Laura on her new release!

Random Acts of Kindness Wrap-Up

Wow.



And WOW, again.



Ange and I are completely blown away by the response to the #RAOKBlitz. When Angela started contacting sponsors about participating, we never dreamed they'd offer up so many awesome prizes. So thank you, Scrivener, Query Tracker, Critique Circle, AutoCrit, Writers Digest, Kristen Lamb, and Tracy Hickman, for making this a blitz to remember!







But we also want to thank all of YOU. It was nothing short of amazing, the way you all got behind this initiative and generated kindness across the web. We loved seeing so many of your friends--strangers to The Bookshelf Muse who knew nothing about our launch--post their own RAOK pages and prizes on their blogs. Seeing everyone so willing to honor others was truly beautiful to behold.



We're not gonna lie. We're kind of glad it's over, lol. But we're so incredibly glad to have done it and are thankful to everyone involved for making the blitz and our launch such a success! So THANK YOU!



Just a quick reminder, if you haven't gotten your copy, that the Emotion Amplifiers PDF is available for free download. This companion to The Emotion Thesaurus looks at 15 specific conditions (Pain, Hunger, Thirst, Attraction, Exhaustion, etc.) that can alter a character's physical and mental state. Just click the Free Download button in the sidebar for your complimentary copy!



And now...let's get back to normal. Well, somewhat normal. Ange and I are posting over at Rachael Harrie's blog today, talking about our somewhat bumpy self-publishing journey. Please pop over and say hi!