R.M. Archer's Blog, page 21

Enneagram Authors: Type 2 – The Helper

About the 2

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being lovedBasic Desire: To feel loved

The author representing the 2s today is Julia Skinner, of the blog Lit Aflame!

Interview with Julia

Hi, Julia! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Hey hey! My name is Julia Skinner. I’m a born-again Christian, hardcore nerd, and Hobbit all the way through. Some years back, a brilliant realization struck me as I was outside taking care of my rabbits: I COULD ACTUALLY…. LIKE, WRITE DOWN THE STORIES I DAYDREAMED ABOUT.

Mind. Blown.

So yes, this all started with me punching out words on a little hand-held tablet. And I’ve gone from there. It’s taken me years to come to officially calling myself a “writer.” But honestly? I can’t imagine what life would be like without it (well, okay, yes, I can imagine it, I’m a writer after all… we tend to have oversized imaginations XD).

I mainly write fantasy, with a side of dystopian and sci-fi. I have a problem with writing sad, tragic stories, and can’t seem to even write a happy story without someone dying at one point or another.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

My enneagram type is a 2! I’m actually pretty proud of that fact. It makes a strange combination with my MBTI type, which is INTP. If you aren’t familiar with it, INTPs are known for being really really bad with emotions and all things people. We struggle to understand anything that’s not purely logical. On the flip side, Twos are known for being empathetic, friendly, and people-oriented.

So, basically I’m a walking human-being contradiction.

(which, if you ask me, is kinda seriously EPIC)

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

Hmm… You know, I’ve never thought of that before! I think being a Two may have something to do with how much I focus on building characters. To me, the character is the story. They’re the lifeblood, the beating heart, the breath that makes a good story… well, good. Characters are the key aspect of a story that brings it to life. When I get a new story idea, it is almost always the character I think of first, and then I build around that character.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Strong, realistic characters! I focus a lot on creating characters who not only feel real, but who also have a lot of depth to them. My goal is for each of my characters to be unique and able to stand on their own, I don’t want them to be cookie-cutters or anything like that.

I want my characters to feel like people. Just people. Like you, and me, and the tired mom across the Walmart aisle. I don’t even like calling my villains “villains” because I view all my characters as people–neither hero or villain–just folk with different goals and backgrounds.

I’d like to think that because of my natural emphasis on people, I’m able to create characters that have a depth and realism to them.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Maybe my lack of regard for plot? I’d say my specialty is characters and theme. But plot? Heh…. yeah… I really struggle with that part of the writing process. Sometimes I can get so absorbed in creating my characters with their backgrounds and personalities and arcs, etc. That I totally forget I have to come up with things for those characters to DO.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

*glances up at my above answers* Welllll…. y’all are probably getting tired of hearing my say “character” over and over. XD But yes, in a way, I do. Type Twos are typically pretty well tuned with the people around them. I think being a Two not only explains why I’m so passionate about the characters in my story, but I also think it impacts how accurate I’m able to make them.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

Yes. Since I put so much emphasis on characters, my world often reflects the people living in it (or perhaps the people reflect the world… WE MAY NEVER KNOW).

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

….outline?

What… what is that?

Seriously though, man, OUTLINING IS MY BANE. See, I want to outline, and I’ll get all excited about it. I almost immediately know the main points in my character’s arc, and I quickly write those down in perfect detail. And then I sit back and think, this is great! I’ve done so much! I’m going to have this novel outlined and done SO FAST!

Then… I look at all the blank spaces in between those main arc points.

There’s usually a LOT.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh halp

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

Sometimes I forget to describe what’s happening around the character because I focus so much on writing the character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

There’s a wide variety! Some of my characters are similar, while others are totally different. For example, right now I’m writing a middle grade portal fantasy, my protagonist (and the majority of the other characters) are not even close to being a Two, but my MC’s mom IS a type Two. So really, it’s just a random mashup. I don’t specifically make a character one type or another.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

I’m… actually not sure what my wing is… XD

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

Honestly, my least favorite is probably the actual writing process. I have so much in my head, and I just want to get it out on the paper, but I have to take my time and actually WRITE OUT ALLLLLL THE WOOORDSSS. Ack. Over the past few years, I was surprised to find that I actually really love editing? Everything is already there on paper, you’ve already built a foundation, so now you can put all your focus and creative imagination to purely making the character’s inner journey and the flow of the story beautiful!

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Plot is probably my least favorite, followed up with setting. Bleh.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

Yep. Procrastination. *slips on black sunglasses and leans back*

…. But really, I don’t have anything specific that I do every single time. Sometimes I’ll put on a song that embodies the story I’m writing, or I’ll mess around with the Pinterest board for a little bit.

But something that without fail can get me into my character’s head and ready to write? WALKING OUTSIDE. For some reason, going outside automatically clears my mind and gets me in the mood to write.

What most inspires you to write?

Life.

Ice cream.

Depression.

*cough* I’m inspired by a lot of things! But specifically, I’m inspired by stories. When I read a book or watch a movie I love, it makes me want to write something just as good and beautiful and life-changing. Another thing that inspires me to write is the people I see around me. There’s so many interesting people in this world, so many hurting hearts, and they inspire me to write stories that represent them.

What is your reason for writing?

Words are powerful. As my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, once said, “Words are where most change begins.” And the words in a story? Even more so. I want to tell stories that people can relate to, that people can see the truth in, and not only that… But I want to write stories that change the reader in the same way I have been changed by the many beautiful books I have read. Through my stories, I want to show the darkness of this world, and the Light that shines through it all. I want broken people to read and know that they can heal, that they can keep going forward, I want to use the words I write to speak out against the injustice and sin of the world, and show the love and justice of our Almighty God.

But more than that?

I just love writing.

Yes, I want to make a difference, yes I use my stories to say the things I can’t, yes I live through my characters, but at the end of the day, I just purely love the art of words. And I think that’s something that every writer has to come to the realization of, because purely wanting to write because of other people, or because you want to “change the world” isn’t enough. It has to go deeper. Beneath all that, you have to decide that writing in itself is worth it, whether or not anyone ever even reads a word of what you’ve written.

Anything else you want to share?

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
― Ernest Hemingway

(I LOVE this quote)

About Julia

Julia Skinner is an eighteen year old writer, blogger, and ice cream enthusiast. When she’s not working on one of her (many) sci-fi fantasy novels, she can be found playing video games, happy-ranting about one of Brandon Sanderson’s books, or wondering just how many germs are on the door handle. But most importantly, she’s a sinner saved by grace, and her life goal is to bring glory to her Savior, Jesus Christ. If any good comes from her journey, it’s because of Him.

The post Enneagram Authors: Type 2 – The Helper appeared first on Scribes & Archers.

Enneagram Authors: Type 1 – The Reformer

Today marks the beginning of a new series: Enneagram Authors! Since I’m an author and I find the enneagram system interesting, I was curious if enneagram type has any bearing on the writing process, so I decided to reach out to authors of each enneagram type and interview them on what writing is like for them! So for each of the next nine weeks I’ll be interviewing a different author of a different personality type, starting, obviously, with the Type 1.

About the 1

I’m not the best at summarizing the types, so I’ll be borrowing descriptions from The Enneagram Institute. (Each description will be linked back to the original page.)

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective

Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced

For the Type 1, I had the privilege of interviewing Kristianne Hassman!

Interview with Kristianne

Hi, Kristianne! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Besides being a writer, I’m also a missionary kid, and I’ve lived almost my entire life in Africa. I’ve lived in South Africa for the past seven years, and I love experiencing the diverse cultures and people here and using that in my stories. I’ve enjoyed writing since I was very young. I think I wrote my first story when I was seven. It was about a little girl named Ogla who got saved when a missionary girl told her about the gospel. (What can I say? I was writing about my own experience!) Novels are my first love—although I occasionally write short stories and poetry—and my favorite genres to write are YA fantasy and historical fiction.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

I am a type 1, otherwise known as the Perfectionist. I kind of have mixed feelings about my type. I can see where I have perfectionist tendencies, but I don’t think that’s the defining characteristic of my personality. I’d rather think of myself as a type 4 (Creative Individualist). But whether my results are accurate or not, the enneagram has definitely helped me recognize areas of weakness I need to grow in, so I am grateful for that.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

Oh, definitely. My perfectionism comes out very strongly in my writing. I really hate writing first drafts because they feel so, well . . . rough. I like to edit as I go along, and I can rework a sentence or a scene dozens of times before I’m happy with it. I also have a strong inner critic that constantly pushes me to do better—which can be both a blessing and a curse! I struggle with self-doubt a lot, which sometimes keeps me from writing. And because I’m such a perfectionist, it takes a while before I’m ready for anyone—including my family and friends—to read my writing. So yes, my personality type plays a big role in how I approach the writing process.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

If you’re going to succeed in your writing career, you have to be willing to constantly learn and improve your craft. One big strength of my type is that I have a strong inner critic constantly pushing me to improve. I love learning, and I’m not afraid to work hard. I either put all in or nothing at all. So if I believe in a story enough, I will embrace it wholeheartedly and put in the time and work to make it happen.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

While my type definitely pushes me to do my best, it can also hinder me. My desire for perfection can cause me to procrastinate and avoid writing for days on end. Fear of what people will think can keep me from sharing my work or asking for help. I try to do as much editing as I possibly can before showing other people. And because I already have a strong inner critic, I tend to take even constructive criticism personally. Sometimes I can spend days worrying over what someone’s said about my writing, even if it was helpful.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

Oh yes! I tend to create characters with my own personality type or similar type (Maybe I should change that . . .) My protagonists especially are often quiet, responsible and hardworking people who strive to please those around them. I have a hard time writing characters who are flighty and have no thought of how their actions affect others.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

Maybe a little. I do like all my information to be arranged in neat lists and categories. I plan everything in my world down to the last detail (which can be frustrating sometimes because it feels like it’s never quite complete). I also stress a lot over things like names, wanting them to be both aesthetically pleasing and make sense in the story. But usually, worldbuilding is one area I allow myself a little more freedom to just create.

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

Definitely. I’m a very organized and detail-oriented person, so I must have an outline before I can start writing. My outlines can be long and very detailed, but I’m also not afraid to branch off a little if an aspect of the outline isn’t working. But even if it’s just a general outline, I still need a plan before I start. Else I feel like I don’t have a concrete goal to work toward.

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it before. Honestly, I don’t think too much. In the past, I tended to be more descriptive and use big words. But lately, I’ve experimented with the shorter, choppier style too. Usually, I just go with whatever sounds best to me, whether it’s technically grammatically correct or not.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

As I said before, my protagonists are often very similar to me because it’s easiest for me to write about my type. If I write a character who is completely different from me, I really have to dig into his personality and background to wrap my head around him. But yes, when a character first pops into my head, he’s usually a lot like me.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

My strongest wing is type 9 (the Peacemaker). I can’t think of any big ways it really affects my writing, except maybe that my desire to avoid conflict keeps me from sharing my work very often. But besides that, I don’t think it affects my writing process all that much.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

Plotting is probably my most favorite, although I also enjoy editing—to an extent! I love exploring an idea, planning it out, and working out plot problems. My least favorite part is the actual writing. Because the story never comes out exactly how I imagined it in my head, my perfectionist self gets so frustrated.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Is it okay for me to love all of them? I enjoy each of these aspects in one way or another, although characters are my absolute favorite. I especially love coming up with unique backstories and names to go along with each character. I could browse name generators and baby name books for hours looking for the right name! As for my least favorite aspect, I would probably have to go with prose. It takes a lot of work to come up with an interesting way to say something that flows well and makes sense.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

Before I start writing, I like to look at my Pinterest boards of my story to get me in the mood. Sometimes I put on instrumental background music and occasionally epic music for certain scenes. But music also distracts me sometimes, so usually I’m good with just a quiet, secluded corner, a comfy chair, and a little bit of lamplight or candlelight.

What most inspires you to write?

Reading great stories written by other people! It was reading wonderfully deep and beautiful stories that first fired my imagination and made me want to be a writer. So whenever I finish an amazing book, read a well-crafted poem, or watch a gripping movie, it inspires me to give other people that same experience.

What is your reason for writing?

When I was younger, I read books to escape people and the pressures around me. In books, I could be myself. In books, I could forget my insecurities, my fears, and later—as I became a teenager—the painfulness of maturing into an adult while still being considered a child. I write to give teens that same escape. I write to remind them that God meets them where they are. Jesus accepts every one of us, along with all our imperfections. We are deeply and completely loved, no matter our faults. And yet, I also write to inspire teens that they can become better people, they can change the world, and they can make a difference, though they may feel inadequate. Most of all, I write to give hope in a dark and suffering world.

Anything else you want to share?

To those who are perfectionists like me: I just want to encourage you to never give up. There will be many times when you feel discouraged, like nothing you ever write will be good enough, but keep writing. Every day you show up and write, you’re improving. Growing. Learning. Getting closer and closer toward your goal of becoming a great writer. Though your words may be imperfect, they are inspiring someone somewhere. So don’t stop. Keep at it, even when your inner critic is screaming in your ear. Even when you feel crippled by self-doubt. Your efforts do count for something, even if it feels like they fall short. God will be your strength, if you’ll only lean on Him. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).

About Kristianne

Kristianne Hassman is a seventeen-year-old Christian author who is slightly obsessed with books, fantasy worlds, and personality types. A missionary kid with a strong love for traveling, she writes stories about girls conquering their fears and changing the world. She currently lives in the beautiful country of South Africa with her parents, four younger siblings, and German shepherd dog. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing her violin or more recently, blogging at WhimsicalWanderings.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest.

The post Enneagram Authors: Type 1 – The Reformer appeared first on Scribes & Archers.

January 2021 Wrap-Up

Writing

I’ve edited 29 chapters of Calligraphy Guild this month! Which is to say approximately a draft and a half. I’m well on-course to complete my self-edits by the end of February, which will free me up to send it to sensitivity readers and betas shortly! (If you’re interested in beta-reading, you’ll need to sign up to my street team list! I’ll be taking volunteers on my next email.)

I’ve done some other scattered writing this month, including some random fluff scenes, revising a short story, and prepping for an upcoming project. And I’ve been getting blog content in order, including my editing series this month and a 3-month series to start next week! Since I’m hoping to be gone over the summer, I’m trying to get ahead and make sure I have content to cover the time I’m gone, which starts with freeing up the spring to work on it. I’m super excited about this upcoming series and it’s been a lot of fun to put together!

ReadingGiants: Sons of the Gods by Douglas Van DornGod Against the Gods by Brian GodawaThe Fabric of Faithfulness by Steven GarberWomen of the Word by Jen WilkinNorse Mythology by Neil GaimanA Teen’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done by Jennifer ShannonThe Last Battle by C.S. LewisThe Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Jerry Root and Mark NeilWatson and Holmes by E.B. Dawson

Two-thirds of my reading this month has been non-fiction, but it’s been a good line-up. I’ve learned a lot, and there’s been a lot for me to incorporate into my worldbuilding.

Norse Mythology was a lot of fun. Most of the stories were familiar, but it was clear that Gaiman enjoys the mythology, so it felt like mutual appreciation for the myths and it was really enjoyable to read.

Watson and Holmes was also good, and I appreciated the importance of the worldbuilding. I find that space-based fantasy can often treat alien races just like humans with a paint job, but Dawson spent an early section of the book establishing the different cultures and interactions of the alien races on Linden and it was really cool to read. The parallels with Sherlock Holmes were also well-done.

I also have five books I’m currently reading:

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. LewisMalfunction by J.E. PurrazziNew Worlds: Year One by Marie BrennanLove Riot by Sara Barrattand Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

All of these have been great so far! New Worlds and Mistborn have been especially great. New Worlds explores some worldbuilding elements I hadn’t thought about and deepens some I had, and Brennan–due, I’m sure, to her background in anthropology–clearly understands the importance of details and what they mean for culture. Mistborn is my first foray into Sanderson’s work, and I definitely understand the hype! I’ve also gotten through it more quickly than I expected, and I’m starting to think that putting off Sanderson’s books due to their size was a silly move. XD I’m buddy-reading Mistborn, so I’m still just at the end of Part One, but I’m super excited to read more!

Other

I’ve been working through a CLEP prep course for U.S. History I and I finished today! So I’ll be taking the actual CLEP test shortly and moving on to U.S. History II. I have a total of six CLEP tests I want to prep for following this first one, which ought to keep me busy for a while. XD I’m trying to get as much of my general ed out of the way as I can before leaving this summer, so that I can focus on work and travel and Calligraphy Guild for the next year and a half or so without having to worry about too much college prep at the same time.

I’m also working on a project currently that I’m hoping to release in a month or two. I won’t share too much yet, but it’s worldbuilding-related and I’m really excited to share it.

And that’s about it for this month!

Plans for FebruaryFinishing self-edits on Calligraphy GuildContinuing upcoming projectStudyingReadingWorldbuildingPrepping future blog posts

Your turn! How has your month been? What’s been your best read this month? Any plans for February? I’d love to hear from you!

The Liebster Award #9

I’ve been nominated for another Liebster Award! This one is from Grace over at Gabbing with Grace, and she’s pretty cool. She has a post about predestination, which will become relevant in a moment. XD Anyway, thanks to Grace for the tag!

RulesGive a thanks to the blogger who has nominated you (done!)Answer the eleven questions s/he has askedNominate eleven more bloggers for the awardMake sure that they know you have nominated themAsk your eleven nominated bloggers eleven questionsQuestions

When did you first start your blog?

First first? 2013. First as far as any decent content? XD 2017.

(And as a bonus answer, I started my second blog in 2018. ;) )

What’s something you want to blog about but haven’t yet? Why?

How to subvert annoying-but-popular tropes from a Christian worldview. That’s going to be really fun at some point.

What’s your dream job?

Author/youth leader/music minister/editor/worldbuilding coach. XD XD Also wife and mom. So. Yep. Lots of things. XD But they’re all sort of related, actually! They all tie in with the goal of ministering in ways that impact the culture.

Name a movie you want to watch but haven’t yet. Why?

Now You See Me. It looks like a very cool movie, but I can’t find it anywhere to watch it. :P

What’s your favorite topic to debate about? (Assuming you like to debate…better for you if you don’t.)

Hehe… Predestination. I can debate predestination allllll day. (There are people who no longer enjoy debating predestination with me. It’s kind of disappointing, but I guess it’s understandable. XD)

Who has been your biggest supporter in life?

I’m guessing God is assumed. XD So beyond that… probably my dad. My dad is awesome. He supports me in all sorts of areas. Pretty sure he was even behind me when I was nine and wanted to become a PI even though I would never have made a good PI. XD

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Tennessee. Somewhere between Nashville and Knoxville, probably.

What’s something you don’t like, even though most people do? (It could be a book, TV show, song, anything!)

Ummm… The Shape of You was really popular for a while. I don’t know if it still is, but I despise that song. *shudders*

What makes you stop and think? (Roses? Poems? Big words?)

People smarter than me. Whether I’m interacting with them directly or reading books they’ve written… people who know more than I do about topics that interest me.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?

Well… kinda answered this one, actually. XD But there was a slew of things. Ballerina, waitress, PI/spy (I wasn’t picky on that point XD)… and then author! I came to that one fairly early, between probably 10 and 12, and it’s stuck. ;)

If you could make up a question to ask yourself as the final one in this list, what would it be? (For example, “Why was Grace too lazy to create a legitimate question?” By the way, she has an answer to that. It’s not laziness; it’s ingenuity.)

Y’know, usually when doing these things I write up the list of questions for my nominees and I think “Mannnn, I would have liked to answer that question. D:” But it’s a lot harder when I haven’t done that list yet. XD So I’m gonna go do that and then jump back up once I have a cool question. ;)

Ooh, actually! I’ll steal one of the questions Grace answered. “Do you speak two or more languages?”

Sort of! I am in the process of learning French, which has been very fun. I’ve been learning for… a year? I think? Maybe a year and a half? Not sure. But anyway, it’s been a while. I’m making progress. I haven’t achieved fluency yet, but I’m working toward that.

And I’d also like to learn Hebrew! I mostly haven’t started that one yet because the whole learning-a-new-alphabet thing is intimidating, but I would love to know Hebrew and be able to use it in my Bible study and whatnot.

Nominees

1-11. You! If you want to do it. I think my friends might be tired of me tagging them, LOL. I’m gonna steal Grace’s explanation here and say it’s not lazy; it’s considerate. XD

QuestionsIf you were suddenly required to change your blog topic, what would you blog about?What is your favorite topic to debate?What is your least favorite book trope?Do you like to dance?If you could live in any fantasy world, which would you choose?Who inspires you the most?What book(s) are you currently reading?Do you like non-fiction books?What’s your favorite TV show?Do you have any languages to learn on your bucket list? If so, what’s holding you back from learning them?What are your thoughts on giants?

Why to Invest in Copy-Edits

This month I’m writing about why indie authors should invest in edits. I started out talking about developmental edits, then I discussed line edits, and this week I’m wrapping up with copy-edits.

Copy-edits focus on a story’s grammatical issues, and I believe every indie author should get a good copy-editor. I could give you a long list of indie books that were excellent in content, but didn’t go through a good round of copy-edits and were still riddled with grammatical issues and typos. This is an instant negative mark to the professionalism of the book, and it could be so easily avoided.

But it’s not all on the authors. Editors also need to be better about recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and not offer edits they can’t do with excellence. Many of those indie books I’d list have editors attached to them, and it’s discouraging to me as both an author and an editor to find so many remaining errors. But I digress.

Why should you invest in copy-edits? Copy-edits (assuming they’re well-done) will add the final level of professional polish to your book by ironing out grammatical mistakes and catching any typos that have slipped through the cracks. Even authors with a strong grasp of grammar on their own can benefit from having a second set of eyes to catch those typos they’ve seen ten million times and have overlooked because they know what the word is supposed to say. Finding a good copy-editor will mostly ensure that you don’t have any embarrassing errors or incorrect homophones or too many misplaced commas.

Can you get away without copy-edits? Technically yes, but I’d advise strongly against it. As I said before, even the most grammatically-aware authors can benefit from a second set of eyes on their work.

Where to find a copy-editor

Since copy-edits are founded in technical English rather than storytelling, you may be able to find a copy-editor among your personal acquaintances. Is your aunt a stickler for grammar? Enlist her help. Family friend is an English teacher? Also a potential copy-editor. Sometimes you don’t have to invest a whole lot of money in copy-edits, and the return value is well worth it.

But if you do want someone who copy-edits professionally, I have a short list. I’m a copy-editor myself, and I come from a family of editors in different fields. If you’re interested in checking out my services, you can do so here.

The editors I mentioned last week for line edits also do copy-edits. Rachelle Rea Cobb, who—as mentioned previously—I plan to work with on my own novels; and Brianna Storm Hilvety, who’s praised in the Story Embers community. (Brianna lists her copy-edits under “proofreading.”)

Writing Community Award

It’s tag day! I was tagged for the Writing Community Award by Kristianne over at Whimsical Wanderings. Definitely go check out her blog and give it a follow! And with that being said, let’s jump into the tag.

Rules

1. Display the award logo on your site. (See above)

2. Link back to the person who tagged you. (See above)

3. Answer five questions.

4. Tag three blogs (they have to be writing related blogs, not just any blogs) and ask them five new questions.

5. Follow as many blogs with this award as you can.

Questions

1. Who is the audience that you write for?

Blog-wise, I write for (mostly young) Christian spec fic authors, and often those intending to self-publish. Some of my content goes beyond that, but that’s who I mostly try to keep in mind as I write.

Books-wise, I write for Christian teen/young adult speculative fiction readers. So… there’s a lot of overlap, lol. I mostly write for readers who are tired of being unable to find clean, edifying YA fantasy on the shelf and want books that are going to encourage them and sometimes challenge them and books that are going to mostly line up with their own worldview.

2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Usually somewhere in between, but I’ve been plotting more and more in recent years.

3. Which comes first when you get a story idea: characters, plot, or setting/world?

Almost always the characters. Stories set in Deseran are often an exception to this rule (usually I’m most inspired by the world, in those cases), and occasionally I’ll get a plot idea first, but it’s usually characters.

4. What genre is your favorite to write and why?

Fantasy! Fantasy gives me free rein of my imagination, there are very few limits, and I’ve found it’s an excellent genre in which to explore different worldviews in a very focused and intentional way, which I find to be a lot of fun.

5. How do you handle criticism and rejection in your writing?

Usually I welcome it. Assuming it’s constructive feedback. I appreciate when people help me to identify areas where I could grow or improve a piece, and I see it as an opportunity to strengthen my writing. Sort of like working out tears down muscles to build them up stronger, constructive criticism tears down your writing so you can build it up stronger.

As far as criticism that doesn’t aim to be helpful, I try not to pay too much attention to it. If I can’t do anything about it, and someone was just tearing down my writing to tear down my writing, then it’s not worth listening to.

While I usually don’t have too much trouble with criticism, there have definitely been times I’ve taken it too much to heart. I once sent in a short story I really loved to get feedback on it, and when I got the feedback I threw it all out and thought the editor who had looked at it had been too harsh. When I finally came back to that feedback years later, though, I could see it was all really good input and I used it to strengthen the story. So I’ve definitely gotten too close to my work before, and criticism has hurt more.

NomineesMaple at Maple Quill Penning MagicFarren at The Starry-Eyed DreamerAllie at Of Rainy Days and Stardust VeinsNew QuestionsWhat do you most enjoy about writing?What’s something you want to work into a story one day? (A trope, a character, a situation, a worldbuilding element…)Do you listen to music while you write?Do you enjoy or dread the editing process?Who’s your favorite of your own characters?

Why to Invest in Line Edits

Welcome back to this three-part series on investing in novel edits! Last week we talked about what developmental editing is and why it’s important, and this week we get to talk about my favorite type of edits: line edits.

Line edits are edits that more-or-less focus on the sentence-level. These are edits that will tighten, fill out, and polish your prose, as well as catch continuity errors. Line edits don’t only improve your prose, though. A line editor will help you maximize the impact of your prose, thus strengthening your worldbuilding, character development, character voice, plot, and prose all at the same time. Or, if you want to read how I describe it on my editing page:

With line-edits, I’ll work at roughly sentence-level and tackle any issues that might make your story unwieldy or hard to read. Things like cleaning up info dumps, drawing out description, making sure word choice is effective, and fixing up sentence structure. I’ll also point out consistency issues and other small details that help make your novel as cohesive as it can be, like “could you work this detail in a few chapters later?” or “could you introduce this character’s quirk earlier?”

Basically, line edits help with a whole bunch of things.

Why should you invest in line edits? Well, as you can see, line edits tackle a lot. Line edits are the most broad variety of edits, and possibly the most important. Building a strong foundation with developmental edits is important, but if you’re on a tight budget and have to cut something out, line edits can usually do the bulk of the heavy lifting. They’ll make your book readable and help even a weak book pack a better punch. (Though, again… getting all the edits is ideal. Duct tape is great for keeping things together, but repairs are better.)

Can you get away without line edits? Some authors probably can. Some authors have really strong prose from the get-go and fully understand how to utilize it to its maximum potential and have no problem applying that understanding. But even good can be made better, and a line editor can at least be a second set of eyes to double-check that everything flows smoothly and you’ve highlighted every element of your story in the best way possible (or set aside the details that aren’t as important). So while you can get away without line edits, I personally highly recommend them. And, in my experience, they’re a lot of fun.

Where to find a line editor

In case you missed it from my mention of an editing page, I offer line edits. They’re my absolute favorite to do when it comes to other people’s work. I love picking out elements that the author could capitalize on and suggesting ways to make description work harder and writing flow smoother. This is the area in which I most feel like I’m working with the author to strengthen their work. You can find my services here. I’d love to work with you!

But there are also other options. Rachelle Rea Cobb offers line edits (under the title of “content edits”), and she’s the editor I plan to work with for my own books (though I haven’t had the opportunity yet). Brianna Storm Hilvety is also a line editor, and she’s well-known in the Story Embers community, which I trust to value excellence in the craft.

If you’ve worked with a great line editor in the past, drop a link down in the comments for other writers to find!

Have you worked with a line editor in the past? Do you enjoy line edits, or are developmental edits or copy-edits more your jam?

Why to Invest in Developmental Edits

It’s the new year, the time when many authors set goals for their writing projects and may look toward future steps for their books. So today, for any of you looking into editing and/or publishing in the coming year, I want to offer some insight into the three primary types of editing and why each one is important to not overlook.

We’re going to start with the edits that cover the most large-scale problems in a manuscript: Developmental Edits. These are also sometimes called Content Edits… although so are line-edits, which are a separate category, so it’s kind of confusing. (I don’t know why editors have such inconsistent terminology.)

Anyway, developmental edits (or content edits; whichever you prefer) focus on the structural integrity of your story. This is where you’ll get feedback on your plot structure, character arcs and development, theme, potentially your worldbuilding… anything that’s going to impact the order and overall shape of your story. A developmental editor will pick out extraneous or awkward scenes, suggest elements to add to strengthen your structure, make sure your overall pacing is right for the story you’re trying to tell, encourage you to flesh out mediocre characters, etc.

Why are developmental edits important? Well… just like a house needs a firm foundation, an animal needs a complete and well-ordered skeleton, and a computer needs solid wiring, a story needs a sturdy structure to build off of. A compelling plot, theme, and characters are what will really engage your reader and keep them engaged. They’re also what make your book work to fulfill the purpose you have in mind. They’ll ensure that your theme is strong (without being overbearing), that your characters connect with readers exactly the right way, and that your worldbuilding serves the story.

Can you get away without developmental edits? If you’re a decent writer, maybe. If you can make your story function even if it’s not as strong as it could be, you can probably get by without developmental edits. But it’ll be sort of like building a lean-to rather than a stand-alone house. It’s a functional shelter, but probably not ideal. A developmental editor will help you take your story from functional to strong, which will ultimately strengthen any themes within your story and heighten overall reader enjoyment.

Where to find a developmental editor

I have yet to work with a developmental editor personally, but I’ve heard good reports about Jane Maree. If you’ve worked with a great developmental editor, drop your recommendation down in the comments to help out other readers!

Are you looking to edit a book in the next year?

Next week we’ll discuss line edits, which are my personal favorite.

2020 Wrap-Up and Goals for 2021

Well. I’m sure you’ve heard this many times already, but… it’s been a year. A crazy whirlwind of a year. It’s a little hard to believe it’ll finally be over in a few days, lol. But as I attempt to maintain hope for 2021, let’s spend some time focusing on what went well in 2020 and some things that could go well in 2021!

2020: An Overview

…How do I even overview this year? It’s been such a roller coaster, lol. I re-published Short Story Collection vol. 1, I graduated from high school and choir, I struggled with socializing (lockdown, anyone?) and yet somehow still managed to make new friends? I spoke up… and then quieted down again. Um… yeah. Lots has happened and yet it feels like nothing has gotten done, so… That feels like kind of an apt description of the whole year. But anyway.

Last year I mentioned starting to learn French and falling in love with ballroom dance, and both of those things have stuck around! I’ve been continuing to practice French through Duolingo and starting in… October, I think, my sisters and I started taking ballroom dance classes! So I’m very, very happy about that.

I didn’t get to do a lot of the things I was hoping to do this year. Because lockdown started in March, I didn’t get to complete my final choir semester and I missed out on my final performance and an in-person “ceremony.” I didn’t get to hug my fellow seniors when we parted ways, which… was a really big bummer. We did a Zoom graduation thing that did manage to make me cry… a lot… and my dad bought me flowers, so it wasn’t a complete disappointment. I still really miss those people and I think I’ll be missing them for a long time to come. But I’ve ended up still getting to hang out with a handful of them in other contexts, so that’s been nice.

I finally got my driver’s license in September! Which has been so. nice. My best friend and I have started meeting up once a week to do schoolwork and hang out together, I’ve started taking my sisters to dance class (as previously mentioned), and I’ve been trying to go to church consistently. Unannounced cancellations have made that hard. :P But I’m making at least a little bit of headway!

I also settled on concrete plans for the next few years! Last year I was looking toward graduation and feeling like I had no idea what I was going to be doing afterward, but thanks to research for a random story idea I managed to stumble across a college that looks like it’s going to be a perfect fit for me, so that’s something I’m working toward, even though I’m planning to put it off another year and a half-ish so I can focus on traveling and writing and the like before I start college. (A little more on that later.)

Overall, I’m pretty impressed with how much I managed to hold up over the course of this year. There were definitely many stretches that I only managed to power through because God was pushing me, and I’m so thankful for that. This has not been an easy year by any stretch of the imagination, but He’s pulled me through.

2020: Goals in Review

Because 2020 was what it was, a lot of my plans got completely derailed, and not all of those were inherent negatives, so I’m mostly going to review the goals that either went well or okay and leave out those that got completely shot down.

Post (at least) once a month on Within the Static

I did this! I put up 19 posts on WTS over the course of this year, and the only month I’ve missed is December, which I plan to remedy. So hooray! I’m pretty happy with that progress. :)

Revise Calligraphy Guild

I don’t remember for sure what my specific end-goal was with this? If I was planning to have it completely revised by the end of the year, I’m not even close. But I have gotten a couple rounds of edits done! In particular, I’ve fixed some worldbuilding errors in the first chapter that were preventing me from posting it here on the blog. I posted that first chapter in August, and you can join my Discord server (or email me, if Discord isn’t an option) for access!

Prepare to pitch Calligraphy Guild

This was back when I was toying with the idea of going trad with Calligraphy Guild, but with RealmMakers falling through and some more thought I’ve decided to continue indie with this book. I’m super excited to go through the full indie publication process with Calligraphy Guild and make it wholly my own! :)

Re-publish Lost Girl

Due to the release of Kara Swanson’s Dust right around the time I’d been planning to do this, I decided it would be best to postpone this re-release until next year. But Lost Girl will be coming to paperback in June!

Re-publish Short Story Collection Vol. 1

This I did! And I’m so much happier with this version.

Revise Hands (a poem)

To be completely honest, I’d completely forgotten this was a goal. I think I did revise it? I also went through a semi-brief songwriting phase around the same time, so that was fun. I don’t remember what the end goal was for this, so I don’t know if I achieved the purpose? But I did revise Hands.

Get my license

I did this! *happy dance* The process took entirely too long! But I’m finally allowed to drive independently!

2021: Concrete Goals

I have lots. Possibly too many; we’ll find out. This isn’t quite all of them, since some are irrelevant and/or personal, but it’s most of the big ones.

Continue posting at least once a month on Within the Static

Write a guest post for The Rebelution

Write a guest post for Story Embers

Post a weekly conversation starter in Discord

(Yep, I know my engagement isn’t great. Working on it!)

Finish (all) Calligraphy Guild edits

(There’s some exciting stuff beyond that, but… that’ll come out later. ;) )

Start outlining The Dark War Trilogy

(That series I was super excited about for a while that then completely disappeared? I want to bring it back!)

Post every week on my author social media

Make progress on background project

(I don’t want to get anyone too excited since it’s barely moving yet, but if it works out it’s going to be very cool.)

Release two worldbuilding courses

(One on the basics of worldbuilding and how to approach it; one on how to develop the many facets of your world with worldview in mind!)

Read 52 books, including one indie book and one nonfiction book each month

(I’ve read 115 books this year, but I’m planning to be a lot more busy next year and don’t want to stretch myself too thin, so I’m returning to my more reasonable goal of one per week.)

Take CLEP tests

(I have seven of these I’m planning to take to get a lot of my general ed out of the way. I’m hopeful they’ll go well!)

Practice French daily

Start learning Hebrew

(Hoping to get a jump start on theology-based schooling, plus I’d just like to know it for my own personal Bible study.)

Cross-country road trip

(I’m very excited about this! My graduation present from my aunt and grandparents is a cross-country road trip that we didn’t get to take in September due to lockdowns, but we’re planning to go this coming year instead. I love traveling, and I know that The Grand Canyon is on the itinerary, so I’m very much looking forward to this!)

2021: General Hopes

I’m hoping to grow a lot through 2021. I feel like I ended up kind of stagnant this year due to everything shutting down, but I have a lot of cool stuff planned for 2021 and I’m hoping to buckle down on writing-related stuff and develop some more independence and discipline. After working on worldbuilding courses, independent study, and CLEP tests in the first quarter, I’m hoping to work in a different state over the summer and then travel in the fall, so there are going to be a lot of new experiences and new people.

I’m planning to carry over my Bible verse of the year from last year: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

I’m not sure how well I held to this verse this year? It definitely kept showing up every time I needed to be reminded of it, but I’m not sure how deeply I took it to heart. I definitely tried, but it’s something I still need to work on (and could probably work on my whole life), so I’m planning to carry it over for this year and keep striving to follow Him better.

I would also just like normal life to go back to… well, normal, but my hope is battling with my knowledge of mankind on that one.

And I think that about covers it! Growth, normalcy, stronger faith…

How about you? What progress did you make in 2020? What are your hopes and plans for 2021?

Interview with the Phoenix Fiction Writers

If you’ve been around my blog or my social media for long, you know that I am a huge fan of a group of authors known as the Phoenix Fiction Writers. They’re a collection of indie speculative fiction authors, first started by E.B. Dawson, who help to support each other’s work throughout the writing process and beyond. They’re an absolutely amazing group of people, and I’m super privileged to have had the opportunity to interact with several of them personally, to varying degrees. I highly encourage you to check out both the PFW website and each of their individual websites and their books.

Anyway, PFW’s third anniversary is coming up on the 20th, and I figured an interview would be a great way to help introduce them to those of you who are unfamiliar, or just deepen your appreciation for them (and maybe encourage you to buy their books ;) ) if you’ve heard of them before. I wasn’t able to get answers from quite everybody, unfortunately, but I did get to hear from E.B. (Beth) Dawson, J.E. (Jill) Purrazzi, Kyle Robert Shultz, Hannah Heath, Beth(any) Wangler, and Nate Philbrick. So, without further ado, the interview!

What sparked the idea for the Phoenix Fiction Writers (no pun intended)?

BETH: I was in my first year as an indie author and already realizing the importance of networking when I read an article about a marketing collective of female authors who came together to pool their audiences. It made so much sense to me. But it took six months for me to go from a place of “I would love to be a part of something like that someday” to “I’m going to make this happen myself.”

But even after reading about the idea, I don’t think I would have ever moved forward if it weren’t for the amazing authors themselves. I respect and admire the authors I work with so much. I wanted them to be part of my team, and frankly, I wanted to get them on my team before they committed to anyone else’s team. ;)

That’s awesome! You’ve definitely managed to snatch up a great team. ^-^ How was the phoenix chosen as the PFW namesake and mascot?

BETH: When brainstorming a name for this collective, the options were surprisingly limited. I only had two options I really liked. One was a genre neutral name, which honestly would never have worked. The other was the Phoenix Fiction Writers. I figured a mythical creature would represent the speculative fiction genre well and spark people’s imagination. Plus it’s fun. But most importantly, I have always loved the symbolism of redemption and rebirth behind the phoenix mythos. I believe stories can be transformative.

Absolutely. Stories have such amazing power. What sorts of things does the collective collaborate on?

BETH: Every year we put out an anthology of short stories. Several of us are currently collaborating on a novel and we hope to have more projects like that in the future. But we often give input on each other’s projects including covers, blurbs, manuscripts, and almost anything else you could imagine.

Having a dedicated group of authors as a support system and built-in critique partners sounds amazing. And the PFW anthology is something I look forward to every year! Do any of you have a favorite PFW anthology?

KYLE: Probably Antiheroes, though Of Myth and Monster is a very close second.

JILL: My story in Of Myth and Monster is my personal favorite, but Strange Waters is probably my favorite to date.

BETHANY: I love each one more than the last. At the moment, that means Of Myth and Monster is my favorite.

HANNAH: That’s so hard to answer because they each hold a special place in my heart. However, I love any and all water-based stories so I’ll have to go with Strange Waters.

BETH DAWSON: Strange Waters is my favorite so far, but I have to say…without giving anything away, our 2021 anthology is shaping up to be my favorite.

Of Myth and Monster is my personal favorite (psst, readers, go check it out ;D), but now you have me even more excited for next year’s anthology!

How has being part of PFW strengthened your individual writing processes?

JILL: Writing sprints with fellow PFW authors have kept me writing when I probably would have hit a slump well before now and not recovered. And the tips and tricks, conversations about writing and marketing, and help with critiques and editing have been a life saver.

BETH DAWSON: Every single author is different and getting a front row seat to their creative processes, struggles, and victories has been a game changer. I have learned to take bold risks and to have grace on myself when things aren’t adding up. I have learned more discipline. I have been inspired beyond what I thought I was capable of.

KYLE: The support and encouragement of friends definitely helps my productivity.

HANNAH: Being able to bounce ideas around with fellow PFW authors has been incredibly helpful. I always learn some new way to improve my process. The writing sprints are also great! In the past I’ve found sprints stressful, but doing them with PFW authors is both helpful and fun.

NATE: Being challenged to be more concise with my style! Anthologies in particular have forced me to cut words mercilessly…and it’s opened my eyes to just how wordy I can be when left unattended.

BETHANY: Writing sprints help me find more motivation in the evenings than I otherwise would have. And I have learned so much about marketing and writing craft from these other authors. For instance, I have a much higher appreciation for and understanding of story structure thanks to Jill.

What is your favorite thing about being part of PFW?

NATE: Knowing that I have a locked-and-loaded support system that I can fall back on, both for issues related to writing and other things as well. People I admire as creative professionals and respect as individuals.

KYLE: The unique, hilarious, some-might-say-slightly-insane-but-who-cares-what-they-think dynamic we have is definitely my favorite part.

BETHANY: The people. I love each of these authors dearly. They’ve become friends as well as colleagues, and I can rely on them for laughter just as much as for advice. The community helps me persevere when I am full of doubts or feel like giving up.

JILL: The community is incredible. We support each other with prayers, calls, advice, and more. With PFW I never fail to be reminded that writing and publishing is a world-altering calling.

BETH DAWSON: The group dynamic. Sometimes I joke that I founded PFW for my own entertainment. But if I have to give a more serious answer, my favorite part is getting to brag about our authors’ amazing work. Or just getting to have my work next to theirs on our website, and in our anthologies. Honestly, there are so many things.

Even from the outside, I can see how great a community y’all must have… and I love when those unique and hilarious dynamics come to the surface. XD

What does your PFW role entail, and what is your favorite responsibility within that role?

KYLE: I help people sell things more cleverly and smack them upside the head when they don’t listen to me. Upside-head-smacking is my favorite, obviously.

HANNAH: As the multimedia manager, I organize, schedule, and host our podcasts, as well as the majority of our livestreams. My favorite part is hosting, because it’s a fun way to hang out with PFW members and other creatives while learning all sorts of new information from them. It’s a cool experience.

JILL: I am the “handy-man” of PFW. One of my favorite roles is interacting with other indie authors and keeping an eye out for potential new additions. I also love being able to offer some support to our fearless leader when she shoulders so much. Even if it’s something as little as making a graphic or answering an email.

BETHANY: I’m the Art Director, which means managing adding new merch, working with Grace Crandall and Nate Philbrick to create more PFW art, and creating the visual content for our Instagram. My favorite aspect is making new PFW art, because I get to nerd out about my friends’ stories and be artsy at the same time.

How are new authors assimilated into the collective?

BETH: We are not currently looking to expand right now. But in the past we have kept our eyes open for authors who share our values and writing philosophy, are business and career minded, write a brand of fiction that would expand our audience or fill a gap, and who have skills that would benefit our collective. We get to know them, read their work, and then decide as a group whether or not to reach out to them.

How do you hope to see PFW grow and evolve over the next year and beyond?

BETH: One of our priorities is longevity and sustainability. In a community of entrepreneurs it’s relatively easy to launch something new but much harder to keep it going long term. The fact that this is our third anniversary is a huge deal for us. Just keeping operating month after month is something I never want to take for granted.

That being said, we do have many, many dreams and goals! Most of them I will not voice here. But a couple of things we are looking at for the next few years are direct sales from our website, a traveling bookstore for festivals and comic cons, and more collaborative content like cowritten novels or multiple authors working within one expanded universe.

But one of our simplest goals is to expand our audience every year.

All of that sounds amazing! A traveling bookstore sounds like so much fun. I wish y’all the absolute best with your future endeavors! ^-^

If you’re interested in checking out the entire PFW catalogue, go check out their site. If you need any last-minute Christmas gifts for book-lovers, consider their work. ;) I’ve also reviewed a good number of their books, so if you’re interested in hearing what I’ve thought of some of their books you can check out the list in my previous PFW anniversary post.

Aaaand, if you’re interested in checking out their books for slightly less investment, they’re running an anniversary sale from the 26th to the 28th! This will not only include sale prices on books, but also on merch, so definitely keep an eye out for that. I’ll be posting more details that weekend and encouraging y’all again to give it a look. It’s going to be an awesome sale. :)

Just want to follow PFW for now? You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube! So wherever you hang out, check them out and get to know them a little better. :)