Janice Hanna's Blog, page 10

You Can Write the Great American Novel

I wrote my first novel in the sixth grade.

Okay, so I didn’t finish it. And, to be honest, the plotline made no sense at all. I even stole the characters from my then-favorite series, The Bobbsey Twins. Still, no one could question the motives of my heart as I hid in my closet and scribbled, scribbled, scribbled the hours away.

What did I come up with, you ask? A story unlike any other before it. Or any thereafter, for that matter. In short, my first work of fiction was a hot mess. Still, I’d done it. I’d written my imaginative tale down for all the world to see.

Don’t Hide Your Talents Under a Bushel!

Only, no one saw it. Not a single, solitary soul. I buried my light—er, novel— under a proverbial bushel and told no one about my story or my desire to write. Normal people didn’t come up with make-believe tales, after all. They didn’t daydream the hours away with fictional worlds unfolding before them. They made good grades in school and grew up to have normal, sensible jobs. Jobs that paid money.

Still, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that I’d been put on this earth to accomplish something different. Something uniquely me. I was born to write and no amount of denying it would make it un-so.

I might never be a John Steinbeck, Herman Melville, Mark Twain, or Harper Lee. I might never write a book as good as Uncle Tom’s Cabin or the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But I would try. And I wouldn’t give up until I made progress.

What About You?

Do you dream of the Great American Novel?

When did you first get the itch to write? Are you hoping to impact current and future generations?

If you’re like most author-types, you came out of the womb with stories leaking out of you. Perhaps your creativity got you into trouble in school. Maybe you attempted to pen your off-the-wall tales as a child, only to have your dreams squelched. Perhaps some non-dreaming-types rained on your parade and encouraged you to take up something less grueling. . .like brain surgery.

Well, look up, discouraged author. There has never been a better time to write and sell your novel. The world is hungry for excellent stories, and, unlike what you might have believed, there’s even money to be made. Not fictional money, but the kind you can spend at your local Super Center. 

You just have to understand the concept of the Great American novel before you can write it. And that’s where these lessons come in. I hope that you can glean some advice to help you on your way.

Writing is a Journey

My journey toward publication didn’t end in the sixth grade, thank goodness. It took many years and a lot of tenacity, but I eventually scribbled my way into the elusive world of publication. I joined the ranks of other dreamers who dared to create heady fictional worlds where ordinary characters do extraordinary things.

To date, I’ve penned over 167 books, about half of which are novels. I didn’t achieve overnight success. In fact, I didn’t stumble into the world of publication at all. I worked my way there. Perhaps, if you read and follow the advice in these posts, you can work your way there, as well. I want you to practice saying the following words aloud:

“I love my life as a novelist.”
“I’m so privileged to do what I love.”
“Earning money with my writing is such a bonus.”

Doesn’t that feel great? Have I re-ignited a spark of hope inside of you, friend? If so, then turn the pages. Get ready. A new world awaits. You can set the literary world on fire. It only takes a spark!

Let me leave you with a list of some great American writers who actually did the hard work. Those wrote those novels, and we’re still reading them today!

Harper Lee: To Kill a MockingbirdJohn Steinbeck: The Grapes of WrathHerman Melville: Moby DickHarriet Beecher Stowe: Uncle Tom’s CabinNathaniel Hawthorne: The Scarlet LetterErnest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea

The post You Can Write the Great American Novel appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

In the Beginning, the Writer Set Goals

You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short- range failures.

Charles C. Noble

When you think about the word goals, what comes to mind? Daily word count? Number of chapters completed in a month? A completion date? As I pondered this word, I found myself thinking about the goals for my career as a novelist. I came up with an acronym (G.O.A.L.S.), which I hope you will find helpful. Goal setting for novelists doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be fun!

G: Grab Hold of the Dream

Novelists are usually dreamers. We have all sorts of grandiose plans. There’s nothing wrong with being a dreamer. Dreamers are achievers. And trust me when I say that most novelists are hard-working people, some of the hardest working folks I’ve ever met, in fact. Author success mindset will take you far!

So, what about you? Do you have dreams that keep you up at night? Do you long to see your novel on bookstore shelves? Are you hoping to garner the acclaim of national reviewers? Are you aspiring to earn “the big bucks” with your writing, speaking or teaching skills? Are you hoping to get your story out on the page, even if you’re not sure what’s coming next?

You are not alone. Thousands—if not millions—have walked this road before you. If you could poll them all, the resounding message would likely be this: “Acknowledge the dream. Go for it!”

I would suggest you make it real by writing it down. Journal about it. Latch onto it and don’t let go. Don’t give room to the dream-snatchers. You have nothing to apologize for. Most successful entrepreneurs started out as starry-eyed dreamers.

O: Own the Responsibilities

Writing is a business and you have to think like a businessperson if you’re going to succeed. As with all new businesses, there will be risks. However, there’s also money to be made, and the desire/need to earn that extra income often outweighs any risks.

If you’re thinking about diving in, recognize that you’ve got to be strategic, and you’ve got to work with your personality, your body clock and your financial needs. Don’t lock yourself into a deadline or pace that doesn’t suit you. Move forward with direction and purpose. Don’t let anything catch you off-guard.

A: Accept the Challenges

Some writers have a skewed idea of what their life will be like as a writer. They anticipate glorious days of pouring out imaginative and life-changing stories, and fantastically large paychecks arriving in the mail. There really will be amazing moments, but you’re likely to face some challenging days, as well. Maybe you’ve blocked out four hours to write, and your daughter gets sick and has to go to the doctor. Or maybe you’ve spent the morning working on a particular chapter, only to find out your characters want to move in a completely different direction.

Things don’t always go as planned, my friend. So many of life’s complicated situations are beyond our control. One thing we can control is how we react to the challenges we face. We can curl up under the covers or we can lift our heads and plow forward. Choose to lift your head and your heart.

L: Listen Up!

As a novelist, you’re going to come to many forks in the road. How will you know which way to turn? Perhaps you’re offered a book deal that seems out of this world. . .but something about it doesn’t feel right. Do you follow the trail toward possible fortune and fame, or follow that nudging from within?

Maybe you want to “brand” yourself, but can’t figure out which way to go. How do you decide? If you label yourself now, can you change it up later? Will your readers forgive you? When you reach those inevitable forks in the road, quiet the voices around you and tune in to that still, small voice inside.

S: Stay the Course

Writers tend to be a little schizophrenic. They’re always changing their minds. One day they want to write a historical, the next they’re off on a tangent, writing a cozy mystery. One day they’re determined to earn a living with their writing, the next they’re in a funk, ready to toss the laptop out the window.

A few “don’ts” to consider as you set out to “do” what you’ve been called to do.

Don’t give up! Don’t toss that novel idea just yet. Don’t get distressed when things don’t go your way. Don’t eat yourself up with worry when you can’t figure out what’s around the bend. Just stay the course. Keep on keepin’ on. Set those G.O.A.L.S., writers. Strategize. Oh, what a ride this is going to be!

The post In the Beginning, the Writer Set Goals appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Themes, Style, and Voice

Welcome to another lesson from Free Writing Lessons.com. In this post we’re going to address three separate but equal topics, all key to your book’s success: Themes, Style, and Voice.

You’ve set your goals and you’re ready to get busy. With a thousand ideas rolling through your head, you’re having trouble fine-tuning. You need to get it down to one killer idea, one guaranteed to captivate an editor or agent. But, how do you know which way to go? Maybe it’s time to think about a fitting theme, one that makes sense to you, the writer.

THEMES

What is a literary theme?

Your story’s theme is its central idea. Your theme should raise a question about human nature and should shed light on some of the primary character’s responses to conflict.

How do I, as an author, identify writing themes?

Fiction themes are either stated or implied through the actions of the characters. You will also pick up on the theme by examining the POV, tone, setting and more. Identifying themes in writing probably comes naturally to you. No doubt you’re theming your stories without even realizing it.

COMMON THEMES IN FICTIONBiblical Themes in Literature

It’s great fun to use biblical themes. Francine Rivers did a fantastic job with this in her book Redeeming Love – a fictionalized retelling of the story of Hosea and Gomer. In a story such as this you would take a strong biblical theme (such as redemption, restoration, etc.) and use new/unique characters and setting. In other words, you can (gently) recreate the Bible story (setting it in a different era, with a different cast of characters). However, you don’t want it to be so obvious that the reader gets it at first glance.

Here are some great biblical themes to consider for your next novel or short story. No matter the genre, these themes will ring through to your reader.

Noah: Man against nature, persevering through the storm, second chances Moses: The unlikely leader called out of his comfort zoneThe Israelites: Deliverance and redemptionHannah: Sacrifice and love for familyDavid: Facing your GoliathsGoliath: Pride goes before a fallEsther: Justice and courageDaniel in the lion’s den: Courage and boldness in the face of adversity Jonah: Running from your calling and paying the priceJesus: Concern for the poor, redemption, forgiveness, laying down your life for those you loveFamous fictional stories and their themes:Moby Dick: Man against nature, facing your goliathsRobinson Crusoe: The unlikely leader called out of his comfort zoneRoots: DeliveranceThe Gift of the Magi: Sacrifice and love for familyThe Red Badge of Courage: Facing your goliathsPride and Prejudice: Pride goes before a fallTo Kill a Mockingbird: Justice and courageThe Last Leaf: Trusting in impossible situationsAll Quiet on the Western Front: Courage and boldness in the face of adversity The Pearl: Choices/paying a priceThe Grapes of Wrath: Concern for the poorThe Scarlet Letter: Hidden shame, inner healingA Tale of Two Cities: Laying down your life for others Gone with the Wind: Hope for the futureLittle Women: Stirring up your creative gifts, love of familySTYLE

We all have our own style. It’s reflected in our clothing choices, our hairstyle and even the home we live in. It shows up in the car we drive, the people we hang out with and the music we listen to. Why, then, would we think that style wouldn’t be important in our writing? It’s time for a writing style show.

So, what is style?

Your writing style is the specific “way” something is spoken or written. Your style has to be completely natural to who you are. You can’t pretend to be something you’re not. So, let’s talk about what comes naturally to you as a writer. Your fiction will be stronger if you work with your own strengths.

The following things say a lot about your writing style:Formal or informal writingBalance of narrative against dialogueSentence structure and lengthTone/heavy or lightPOV (point of view) preferencesAddition of sensory elementsLiterary (or non-literary) proseThe use of (or lack of) clichésFragmented sentencesThe use of interior monologue/thoughts (stream of consciousness writing)Your style will label you!

Think about the writers of the classics once again. Hundreds of years later, they are still known, not just for their great stories, but their style. They did what came naturally, and made a name for themselves. Can you imagine anyone other than Margaret Mitchell writing Gone with the Wind? And who but Louisa May Alcott could have penned Little Women? Each of these writers had their own style. They were true to themselves, and the result was lasting success.

AUTHOR’S VOICE

Imagine your telephone rings. You don’t take the time to glance at the Caller ID, so you’re completely unaware of who’s on the other end of the phone. You answer and hear your mother’s voice, which you recognize right away. You don’t need to see her to know it’s Mom.

Now imagine you answer the phone and hear your kid brother’s voice. He’s laughing about some joke he just told. You don’t have to ask, “Who is this?” You know it’s your kid brother. Or maybe you answer the phone and hear your elderly grandfather, his voice shaking and frail, on the other end of the line.

Each of us has a unique voice. No one talks like you. No one has your intonations, your lilt, or your cadence. In short, only you are you. And only Mom is Mom. Only Grandpa is Grandpa. . .and so on. The same is true with your writing voice. No one can write like you. So, don’t be afraid to be yourself.

A lot of people can’t figure out what writer’s voice really is, so let’s take a close look at the topic. When you’re not afraid to be yourself on the written page, your voice will come shining through. Your personality is clear.

Here’s a great rule of thumb that I use in my own writing. If I want to know if I’m being true to my writing voice, I pay attention to what folks are saying. If a good friend reads your book and says, “Yes! That’s Janice. No one else on the planet could have written this scene like she did!” then I’ve been true to my voice. In short, being true to your voice means you’re maintaining your individuality, setting yourself apart from others around you.

Your voice is uniquely you. When you’re true to yourself, your voice is honest. Readers won’t stumble through a scene you’ve written and say, “Man, it sounds like she’s trying to be someone she’s not.” No, they’ll just say, “Wow. Unique voice. No one else could’ve written it like that.”

Your enthusiasm and passion for your story will shine through if you’re true to yourself. You won’t be able to hide it.

A writer who’s true to himself comes across as authentic. When you’re authentic, your story won’t be phony, stilted or awkward. Readers will feel like they’re getting to know you through your tone and voice. By the time they get to the end of the book, they’ll think you’re old friends.

One final thought on voice: it’s appropriate to both the audience and the genre. For example, you wouldn’t write a silly note to someone who was dying. Instead, you would write it in the correct tone, the correct voice. If you were writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper, you wouldn’t write it like a casual email to a friend. If you were writing a suspense thriller, you’d leave the light-hearted tone off. And if you were writing a comedy, you wouldn’t use dark images to convey the story.

No one can say it like you, so be true to yourself!

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Understanding the Genres

By way of introduction, the word “genre” just means category. All novels are divided into one category or another. If you pick up a cozy mystery, for example, you know what you’re going to get. Same with romantic comedy. If you know the genre, you know the “type/kind” of book you’re about to read.

If you’re a new writer, just setting off on your journey, you might want to consider creating a tagline for yourself that hints at the genres you plan to write in. For instance, my tagline: “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” lets people know that I write (mostly) light-hearted romantic comedies. Books with happy endings.

What genres are you drawn to? Spend some time studying that particular one and then write in the genre that most appeals to you.

Here are some of the most common fiction categories:HISTORICAL FICTION

The term “historical fiction” most often refers to books that are set prior to 1950. My book Hurricane is a “true” historical, meaning it’s more historical than romance. When writing a historical, you have to pay particular attention to the little things— what items were called, the way buildings were built, transportation, phrases, dialect, etc. Sometimes the research for a historical is so much fun that you get caught up in it and almost forget to write. Here’s a great quote from best-selling historical author, Kathleen Y’Barbo: “The best historicals are those that can only be set in that time and told by those characters. If you can remove your characters and story from the current setting and time period, then your plot’s not ready. You need to refine it.”

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

A contemporary novel is one that takes place sometime in the last twenty to thirty years. The term “contemporary” often appears as an adjective. For example, you might see, Contemporary Romantic Comedy or Contemporary Women’s Fiction. In either case, you can expect the action to take place in modern-day times, certainly no further back than the ‘70s or ‘80s. My Weddings by Bella books are contemporaries.

ROMANCE

Romances (both historical and contemporary) will always be popular with readers. They are always among the top sellers. I particularly enjoy writing in this genre. Maybe you’re interested in it too, but don’t know how far you want to go with it. Steamy or sweet? If you’ve been following my career for any length of time you know that I write for the inspirational market, so mine are tame. One of the blissful things about romance novels is that you’re not limited to contemporary or historical. Romances transcend time, so, write your historical romance. . .or write a contemporary. You’ll find publishers interested in both.

Here are some “standard” things true of all romances:

The hero and heroine each appear as POV (point of view) characters. There’s a “he said/she said” feel to the book, because it goes back and forth between the hero and the heroine.

The two love interests usually meet by chapter two and there’s a continual potential relationship blooming from that point on. Romantic tension between hero and heroine lasts from beginning till end, even if they don’t get along at first. And by the way, the more tension, the better.

The hero and heroine are usually the least likely match or pair.

If you’re writing for the inspirational market (as I do) there are no sexual encounters, even between married couples. (In the case of married couples, an inference to an off-stage love scene can be made, but it must be done tastefully.)

If you’re not writing for the inspirational market, check with the publisher you’re targeting to understand their various lines. (Yes, there are multiple sub-genres!)

You’ll want to write to the line. For instance, teen romance is completely different from the “blaze” (hot) line. Keep your reader in mind.

In a romance, there’s always a point where the reader thinks things couldn’t possibly work out.

The hero and heroine both have to be flawed, and yet (eventually) endearing— both to the reader and each other.

WOMEN’S FICTION

Women’s fiction is a popular genre. Most women’s fiction pieces address heartfelt issues women of today can relate to: Marriage, friendships, raising kids, working outside the home, depression, temptation, unforgiveness, release from childhood abuse, etc. These books are more poignant than, say, chick-lit. This is not to say that women’s fiction has to be serious. However, these novels do tend to run more on the thought-provoking side. I’ve only dabbled in this genre on one occasion, with my novel Fill These Empty Arms.

CHICK-LIT

The movie Bridget Jones’s Diary ushered in the age of the chick lit novel. These stories are intended for women, and are usually light-hearted and a bit off-kilter at times. Most are written in first-person and are “chatty” in style, tone and voice. The primary character is usually in her late 20’s or early 30’s and still single. (Mom-Lit, a similar genre, would feature a middle-aged heroine). The major issues of a chick lit novel might not seem like real “issues” to some, but they’re important to the character: “Will I ever get married?” “Can I really find fulfillment in my career?” “Do these shoes match my purse?”

You can see why chick-lit would appeal to some and not others. The “voice” in chick- lit novels is usually lighthearted and quirky, and the story might contain “mental notes” that take the reader inside the head/thoughts of the heroine. Here’s a list of some of my favorite chick-lit/mom-lit authors: Kristin Billerbeck, Rachel Hauck and Robin Jones Gunn (author of the Sister Chicks books). My Weddings by Bella books are contemporary, as I mentioned above, but they are chick-lit in nature. They focus on a 20-something wedding planner from an eccentric Italian family.

Here’s a great quote about the genre from chicklitbooks.com:

Chick lit is a genre comprised of books that are mainly written by women for women. The books range from having main characters in their early 20’s to their late 60’s. There is usually a personal, light, and humorous tone to the books. Sometimes they are written in first-person narrative; other times they are written from multiple viewpoints. The plots usually consist of women experiencing usual life issues, such as love, marriage, dating, relationships, friendships, roommates, corporate environments, weight issues, addiction, and much more. So how does that differ from regular women’s fiction, you might be wondering? Well, it’s all in the tone. Chick lit is told in a more confiding, personal tone. It’s like having a best friend tell you about her life. Or watching various characters go through things that you have gone through yourself, or witnessed others going through. Humor is a strong point in chick lit, too.
SOURCE: http://chicklitbooks.com/what-is-chic...

JUVENILE FICTION

The juvenile fiction genre is primarily for ages eight through twelve, (basically, second through sixth grade). Before you set out to write for kids, it’s important to know the issues they’re facing in today’s world. Then, if you do write for them, guard your vocabulary. This will give your age away quicker than almost anything. Write about issues that are important to today’s eight to twelve-year-olds, and be careful not to write about childhood like it was when you were a kid. Times, they are a’changin! To make sure you’ve got it right, have a youngster read your manuscript before sending it to an editor.

YOUNG ADULT (Y.A.)

Fiction for teens would be called Y.A. (Young Adult) fiction. As mentioned in the section on juvenile fiction, it’s vital to know the real issues contemporary teens are facing. Write in a way that appeals to a modern teen, addressing issues they face in the real world: temptation, jealousy, love, school issues, friendship, authority issues, spiritual growth and so on.

SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Suspense/thrillers will always be popular. There’s something about an “edge of the seat” story that keeps folks turning pages. Perhaps it has something to do with the ever-tightening coil, the tight writing of the story, or the intensity of the characters. After all, the key to a well-written suspense is tension, tension, tension. The stakes get higher as the story moves forward. My first novel, Duty to Die, is a suspense thriller based on the premise that the so-called “right” to die could (very well) become the “duty” to die. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, even though suspense writing is tough work!

ACTION/ADVENTURE

Action/Adventure stories are much like thriller/suspense, but don’t always include suspense elements. Readers can appreciate a hero on a mission. So, take that hero to an exotic place. The jungle. A mountaintop. A major crime scene at the top of the Empire State Building. Throw in a few weapons, a fast-paced story, a huge amount of conflict, then continue to up the ante throughout. Voila! You’ve got an action/adventure story!

CRIME NOVELS

Crime novels and action/adventure novels are often lumped together. I won’t spend a lot of time differentiating between the two, except to say that crime novels are specifically about crime solving and usually involve detectives/police/attorneys, etc.

COZY MYSTERIES

Cozies involve an off-stage crime that usually happens near the beginning of the story. By off-stage, I mean that the reader doesn’t see it. There’s no blood and gore. After all, this is a “cozy.” You don’t want to upset your reader—not really.

Cozies often have a “small town” feel about them, meaning the folks in the story usually know one another fairly well. These books often involve the least-likely type of sleuth—someone who is not qualified to solve a crime, but feels “called,” regardless. There are usually a host of suspects (four or more) and plenty of red herrings (false leads/rabbit trails) along the way.

Writing a cozy mystery is tough stuff. I enjoyed writing The Wedding Caper and Gone with the Groom, my first two cozies. Here’s a special note about writing cozies: Your suspects have to be logical to the plotline you’ve chosen, and you have to play fair with the ending of the story. No cheating the readers! And trust me, if they feel cheated, they won’t read your next story.

WESTERN

As the name implies, westerns are novels that take place in the “Old West,” and are usually set back in time with strong heroes and anti-heroes (good guy vs. bad guy/white hat vs. black hat).

SCI-FI/SPECULATIVE

This genre includes near-future fiction, and “what if” fiction. For example, “If this (imagine an unusual scenario) happened, how would the world respond? Would people live or die? Would planet earth—as we know it—go on?” Often in these novels, the writer projects into the future. Sci-fi actually traces its roots back to Mary Shelley’s book, Frankenstein. You can see that Shelley took a “what if” scenario and played it out—all the way out. “What if science could create a human being. . .what would happen—to the people, to the community, to the world?” Scary stuff, eh? In this classic sci-fi novel, she raises the question: “Is it possible that science might turn on us, becoming evil and oppressive?” The reader is called on to speculate, and, in doing so, to think outside the box. Sci-Fi is unique, both in approach and design, and it often sends a little shiver down the spine!

ALLEGORY

Ah, the allegory—the story buried within the story. I’ve loved these, ever since I read Franz Kafka’s book Metamorphosis in college. I’m always looking for the story inside the story. Many inspirational authors use allegorical elements in their mainstream novels, but a “true” allegory is a clear “story inside the story.” The best example would be John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the classic tale of a man on a journey (representing a person of faith walking toward heaven). You don’t have to stretch very far to find the story in a true allegory. Movies are often allegorical in nature, as well, (especially animated ones). A few examples of allegorical movies: Babe, the Gallant Pig, The Matrix, Monsters, Inc. and The Lion King. The next time you watch a children’s movie, look for the story inside the story. (I should add that selling an allegory is tough in today’s market.)

FANTASY

Fantasies traditionally rely on magic or other supernatural events to move the story forward. Here’s an interesting thing about this genre, too: fantasy novels often pull from other stories, merging myths, fables, and other well-known tales to create an out-of-this world type experience for the reader. It isn’t necessarily believable, but it’s still quite a ride.

LITERARY FICTION

Literary fiction is the antithesis of genre fiction. It is what many would call “high- brow fiction” in that the style, tone and vocabulary are usually a cut above, from a pure literary standpoint. These books contain beautiful flowing sentences, and breath- taking word choices. Many literary novels make the writer feel like a poetic thread has been woven throughout the story. Clearly, not everyone is called to write literary fiction. To put out words/paragraphs/scenes of such great beauty is truly an art. If you

find yourself drawn to the deeper things (richer word choices, etc.) ask someone to read your story to see if it might be literary in nature.

You’re a genre genius!

That’s it, folks! You’ve just been thoroughly introduced to the world of fiction genres. The list is growing, too. Who knows what the future holds for fiction writers!

The post Understanding the Genres appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Characterization: An Introduction

When you walk away from a really excellent book, what you remember is the POV (point of view) character. If you’re seeing the story through Katie’s eyes, you’ll probably grow to love (or hate) Katie. You’ll connect with her, one way or the other.

About Those Characters…

Your characters shouldn’t be picture perfect. In fact, they should have the usual number of flaws. You, the author, must share their weaknesses as well as strengths. Creating real/believable characters is key to writing awesome books and short stories. And it’s possible to use the same creative approach we’ve talked about in other lessons.

You have to think of your character (primary or otherwise) like an onion. He has multiple layers.

What the reader sees on the outside isn’t necessarily what he gets. For example, a female character might look practically perfect in every way on the outside, but once that outer layer is peeled off, you see that she’s in a difficult marriage, or abuses prescription drugs or alcohol because she’s secretly dealing with unresolved issues going back to her childhood.

If you dig a bit deeper, you might find that she’s struggling to maintain her status among her friends/peers, always feeling she has to put the best foot forward. In other words, she doesn’t know how to just “be herself” so she puts forth an image—a false image. To further complicate the matter, she’s just been thrust into a situation where she’s most vulnerable.

Dig a little deeper and you might find that she grew up with a perfectionist mother and/or an absent father. Everything in her little world had to be perfect—at least in the eyes of her parents. And nothing she ever did was good enough. So, why, as an adult, does she keep trying? Well, that’s another layer of characterization.

Examine her motives, her thought processes, her trials and errors. Let her make mistakes—big ones. In front of people who don’t realize she’s flawed. Then take her to a place where she receives healing for the things in the past—and the present. Let the “real” her come out.

Let’s start by looking at characters you love.

Name a favorite character from a movie. What’s so endearing about him/her? Can you think of a particular movie where the entire story seemed to hinge on one unforgettable character (Example: Gone with the Wind/Scarlet O’Hara) Was this a “complex” character? How many layers are we talking?
Do you appreciate him/her more because of the complexity?

What a character!

There’s much to learn about characterization. Editors will sit up and take notice when you give them characters with depth. So, let’s get busy creating POV characters worthy of loving. . .or hating.

Forge ahead with more lessons from Free Writing Lessons.com to learn more about how to develop characters your readers won’t forget.

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Characterization: The Four Personalities

One way to approach characterization—to fully develop both your POV and secondary characters—is to take an intensive look at the four different temperaments/personalities. Understanding what makes us tick helps in the crafting of memorable characters. We all have our own distinct personalities, but each of us will usually fit into one of the following four categories: Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Melancholy and Choleric.

Here’s a quick look at the definitions of the four temperaments.

CHOLERICCholerics make good leaders.Cholerics know how to get the job done. Cholerics are usually hard workers. Cholerics like to be the boss. Cholerics can be a little stubborn. Cholerics can be bad-tempered at times. Cholerics are easily angered at times. Cholerics have a tendency to think they are always right. SANGUINEMost Sanguines are very outgoing.Sanguines seem to do well in crowds.Sanguines have the uncanny ability to make friends with absolute strangers. Sanguines are fun, fun loving, and great to be around – most of the time. Sanguines often like to be the center of attention.Sanguines often dominate conversations.MELANCHOLYMelancholies make good leaders.Melancholies know how to get the job done.Melancholies are often very hard workers.Melancholies like to be the boss.Melancholies can be a little stubborn.Melancholies can be bad-tempered at times.are easily angered.Melancholies have a tendency to think that they are always right.Melancholies are very sensitive to the needs of others. Melancholies are deep thinkers.Melancholies are often organized, making lists. Melancholies tend to be a little withdrawn at times. Melancholies often worry about things.PHLEGMATICLike “phlegm,” phlegmatics need to be forced up or down. Phlegmatics are often easy going/laid back.Phlegmatics don’t mind not being the center of attention. Phlegmatics don’t mind working to help others. Phlegmatics often go along with the crowd.Phlegmatics are more followers than leaders.

What can I do with this information?

The four personalities can work for each other or against, depending on the situation. Take a look at Pandora’s box lesson for a thorough look at how you might use these volatile personalities to create characters your readers will never forget.

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Stone on Stone

The book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah, cup-bearer to the King, asking about the state of affairs in Jerusalem. He was told that the walls around the city were still broken down and many of the people, who had been taken into captivity by the nation’s enemies many years prior, were in affliction. From his reaction and from further happenings in the book of Nehemiah I believe that the Lord had placed a burden for the people and for the city of Jerusalem on Nehemiah’s heart. Nehemiah was greatly upset when he heard the news. 

We Need Modern-ay NehemiahsRUBBLE

Have you ever looked at the rubble of the life/career/project and think there’s no way out? Hang on! Nehemiah has the answer!  Your project/career/personal life can be rebuilt. 

FOUR LESSONS FROM NEHEMIAH’S RUBBLENehemiah wept over the condition of the people.  Nehemiah repented on behalf of the peopleI questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.  They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Neh. 1:2-4AS CHRISTIAN WRITERS, WE HAVE TO KNOW OUR AUDIENCE, TO SEE THEIR FLAWS, THE GAPS IN THE WALLS OF THEIR LIVES. OTHERWISE, HOW WILL WE MINISTER TO THEM? LIKEWISE, WE HAVE TO CONFRONT THE SEASONS OF RUBBLE IN OUR OWN LIVES. Weeping over the devastation (of my situation & those hurting around me). Start the writing experience with prayer, asking for God’s will before you pen one word. Nehemiah took risks.  He approached the King on behalf of the people.  I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Neh. 2:3WRITERS FACE RISKS EVERY DAY – BEING VULNERABLE; PLACING THEIR GIFT OUT THERE; FACING EDITORS, AGENTS, CRITICS, AMAZONNehemiah carefully examined the damage in all of its detail so he could know exactly what he was dealing with By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Neh. 2:13-16WE ALL FACE RUBBLE: Personal life AND writing (2006 – 2007, giving up) OUR BOOKS/WRITINGS NEED TO BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED SO THAT THE “LOOSE PARTS” (RUBBLE) CAN BE PROPERLY REPAIRED. Nehemiah PLANNED for a successful rebuildingMAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR WRITING. IS IT A CAREER OR HOBBY?Rebuilding

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.

–  Johnny Cash

Nehemiah rallied the troops and encouraged them before the work began, letting them know about God’s favor on him thus-far. He defied the opposition of Judah’s enemies on all sides—Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs and Philistines

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Neh. 2:17 – 18WRITERS RALLY AROUND ONE ANOTHER; LIFTING HANDS/HEARTS. It takes a village to rebuildGod always works through a committed minority. Only a few thousand Jews lived in Jerusalem, yet look what they accomplished. The Twelve turned the world upside down.People swept in around me when I was in rubble and they said “I’ll roll up my sleeves and help”

Same with books/career: Look for people who will sweep in around you and help you build that book or career into a thing of beauty. Don’t go to the nay-sayers. Go to the fellow builders, folks with muscle (spiritual, craft, etc.) 

2. Nehemiah created a practical plan, dividing the workload and not putting too much emphasis on any one person or group. 52 days!

JUST ONE MORE REASON WHY WE NEED A PLAN OF ACTION. 

RECOVERY TAKES CALCULATED TIME. (TALK ABOUT MY GOALS WORKSHEET.) WE CAN NEVER TRY TO GUESS HOW LONG (OR SHORT!) We can’t expect to get published (etc) in a short time. On the other hand, we might have a 52-days experience. Point is, BEAUTY CAN RISE FROM ASHES!

3. Nehemiah was ready when the enemy reared his head mid-way through the re-building.  He used careful strategy so as not to fall into the enemy’s hands in the middle of the project.

WE NEED TO BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR ATTACKS. SOME PEOPLE WON’T LIKE WHAT WE’RE DOING AND THE ENEMY CERTAINLY DOESN’T LIKE IT!

4. When the workers grew weary, (and it looked as if the rubble was too great), Nehemiah encouraged them.  When they grew afraid of the enemy, Nehemiah stationed guards behind the lowest points of the exposedplaces.

You are either one or the other here today: you need your arms lifted OR you’re God is calling you to lift another writer’s arms. We’re not motivated by our “feelings.” If we are, then we’re going to be crushed in this business.

Fortified CityAs the work finished up, Nehemiah made sure there were no gaps in the wallAs soon as a situation seems “healed” check and double-check to make sure there are no gaps – that the enemy has no more room for entranceThe first thing Nehemiah did when the wall was rebuilt was to set doors in place with gatekeepers.  He also appointed the Levites and singers Nehemiah registered the people (gave them a credibility)Give the testimony of what God has done in your midst – how He carried you out of tragedy.  Give your story credibilityNehemiah called Ezra the scribe to bring the Word (the law of Moses) and it was read before the people, who wept (overwhelmed). He called the people to lay aside their tears and to celebrate, to live in booths and proclaim the wordStay in the Word/Have a heart of praise/Hang out with likeminded people/whatever you do, “proclaim the word” (don’t give up!)

When you’re a fortified city, the enemy can come in like a flood, but God will raise the standard (or the wall) of His blood. You will still go through it, but you’re fortified, you’re not turning back/Equate this to career. We are in constant need of being fortified, not just as writers, but as believers. 

“GOD LONGS TO TAKE THE RUBBLE OF YOUR LIFE, YOUR CAREER,

AND, STONE ON STONE, BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REBUILDING. 

HE WILL USE OTHERS WITH SKILL AND TENACITY TO FILL IN THE GAPS. 

IF YOU ALLOW HIM TO DO THIS WORK, NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU WILL BECOME A FORTIFIED CITY, UNSTOPPABLE WHEN THINGS AROUND YOU CRUMBLE.”

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 

Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.

Michelangelo

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Romancing the Reader

For me, writing is exploration; and most of the time, 

I’m surprised where the journey takes me. 
Jack Dann

Hello from Janice Thompson, freelance writer, editor and speaker.  I’m happy to bring you this course on Romancing the Reader. As a fiction author, I’m particularly thrilled to put together this course. If you have any questions about this (or any other) lesson, please feel free to leave a comment. You will find all questions bulleted and written in bold ink.  

The Role of Romance in Christian Fiction

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LET THE WOOING BEGIN!

As children of God who are called to write, we have an obligation to “woo” others with the message(s) we present. With that in mind, take a look at the following outline and corresponding questions, then ask yourself if you are “romancing” your readers.

Me, a Romantic?

We all have a need/desire to “woo and be wooed.” Christian fiction presents an amazing opportunity to do just that—to woo the reader (gently) toward their Savior.

How do you feel about that?Do you have a desire to be wooed?Have you ever considered the idea that your book (regardless of its genre) might be used to “woo” readers toward their Savior?What is the difference between “wooing” and preaching?Romancing Across the Genres

Writers throughout the ages have used the written word to incorporate spiritual/romantic elements

 “Romancing” isn’t just for romance writers.  All Christian novelists (in all genres) are called to incorporate romance into their work 

Can you think of ways to incorporate romance into your story?Does your genre lend itself to romantic elements?Why is it important to incorporate them, even if it’s difficult?Presenting “The Sacred Romance” (the great adventure)

The Ultimate Romance – God longs to reconcile mankind to Himself

Can’t you just imagine this newspaper headline: “A Flawless God Falls in Love With A Flawed Mankind” (Amazing!)

How can you show the “reconciliation” theme in your story?Are your characters flawed? How can you show God’s love to/through those flawed characters?The Quest for the White Knight

We’re all looking for “Mr. Right”

Average Joe’s must go in our writing.  We want a “Hero Among Heroes” and our readers do, too! This desire comes from being in relationship with the greatest Hero of all time!

So, will there be a “white knight” in your story?How is God the ultimate “White Knight?”Even if your character doesn’t play this role, how can you reveal God’s heart to your reader so that they understand HE is their “White Knight?”Jesus, Lover of Our Souls

Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Love

He goes on loving, even when we don’t deserve it.

Does your book have at least one character who exemplifies this trait? Can you use that character symbolically to show your reader that God (and God’s people) will go to any lengths to love him/her?Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places

There is a “hole” in the middle of the world

The World is in Need of Direction

When you read the words “There is a hold in the middle of the world” what comes to mind?How do these words affect your primary character?What can you do about filling that hole in the life of your readers?How is your character shown direction? How can your reader, in turn, be shown direction?To Know Him is to Love Him

Our Personal Relationship is Key. We have to be in a day in, day out relationship with God. 

Before we write a word, HIS Word must be written on our hearts

Do you commit each writing project to God as a potential ministry outlet?Is His Word written on your heart?A Call to Adventure 

The Call of God for twenty-first century writers of faith

How do you feel about that? Do you feel a call of God regarding your writing?If so, how have you responded to the call?Have you ever thought of yourself as having a call to “woo” people before?Isn’t It Romantic…

Spreading the Love/Our goal as Christian novelists

When you sit down to write, do you think about the fact that you are sharing Christ’s love with your potential readers?What is your goal as a novelist who loves and serves the Lord?Letting the Hero Have His Way

Listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we write

Incorporating God-breathed ideas

Do you pray and then listen for the Holy Spirit to speak through you?Do you ever feel like “your” ideas are truly God-breathed?If so, how does that make you feel? Do the words seem to have more power?Love is In the Air

Let the wooing begin!

Creating Desire in the Reader begins with crafting great characters—characters they can relate to who share the same struggles and pains

How will you go about creating desire in your reader?Are your characters realistic? Do they struggle?How could a reader relate (specifically) to your characters?Scrapping the Trash/Leaving the Treasure

Secular romance is filled with “titillating” moments, meant to entice the reader. As Christians, we know to trash that stuff!

Our stories need to incorporate true (eternal) romantic elements

How do you feel about trashing the titillating?How can you (or have you) incorporated eternal romantic elements into your story?What is an “eternal” romantic element, anyway?Stories of the Heart

As Christians, we have a high calling. We must do away with the cheesy and develop the classy

Throughout history, writers have attempted to incorporate a spiritual/romance thread in their stories. Some have worked really well, drawing people to Christ in a subtle “wooing” sort of way.

What is your idea of a “classy” book that incorporated the subtle theme of God’s love for humanity (or a character)?Can you give examples from literature (past and present) to define what worked and what didn’t work (as far as incorporating romantic elements)?Wouldn’t it Be Loverly? 

Reaching the World with the gospel message through our writing is the goal. How we go about it is key. No slam-dunking, please! Gentle wooing is an art.

Set some goals for yourself as a writer of inspirational fictionBegin to pray about how God can use you to “woo” others into His kingdom!

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I’ve Got the Joy-Joy-Joy-Joy!

“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.”

Bill Cosby

Ah, joy! How we long for it in our lives, and how we long to use it to infuse our writing. Joy invigorates. It bubbles up from a place deep inside and brings hope. There’s a wonderful worship song that I love titled ‘What Joy.’ It touches my heart because I long so desperately to give hope to my readers and to lift their spirits with my writings. 

But, how do we go about it? How can we offer joy? Do we drum it up or does it come naturally? 

Living on the light side comes easily to some; other have to work hard to be funny. (Sounds funny, doesn’t it. . .working hard to be funny?) I’m one of those who came into the world with an overactive funny bone. Oh, it occasionally gives me trouble. Life’s woes kick in and my funny bone gets arthritic. It locks up. Whenever that happens, I trip myself on purpose, just to loosen it back up again. (Hey, a girl can only go so long without laughter!)

Yep, from the time I was a little girl, I was the happy-go-lucky sort. Giggly. Goofy. My mom always called me a ham because of my overly-dramatic style. Not that I minded. Oh no. Drama was my thing. And performing comedy on the stage was the thing that made me happiest. 

Then I grew up. . .and life happened. Unfortunately, some of the events of my grown-up life weren’t funny. In fact, they were pretty tragic. Still, through my faith and my innate desire to keep on keepin’ on, I managed to keep my smile intact much of the time. 

LIGHTEN UP!

Let humor lead the way! Be known as an easy-going person. In my own life, I find that being funny on the page is easier when I’m truly walking through life with a joyous attitude. It’s not always easy (and life often intervenes, threatening to remove any hint of humor), but for those who live a life of faith, it is possible.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15: 13 (NIV)

Have you ever been so disappointed, so broken down, that you felt you couldn’t go on? Don’t despair! Even in the hardest of times, it’s possible to have a glad heart. The body reacts to the spirit, so if you want to keep on keepin’ on, better do a heart-check! No doubt, the cheerful expression on your face is sure to make others ask, “What’s her secret?”

I’m going to give you tips to infuse your life (and your writings) with humor. We’ll talk about where joy comes from and will examine the role “joy” plays in our books. This month we’re going back to basics, starting with what will probably be the most obvious, but often the most overlooked: 

TIP ONE: SPEND TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE

Joy in His Presence  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place. 1 Chronicles 16: 27(NIV)

If you’re truly wondering where to begin on this “joy journey,” start here: in God’s presence. After all, you can’t offer your readers what you, yourself, don’t have. So, run after joy! Head straight into God’s arms to find it for yourself, then spread the love. 

HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT? 

In Old Testament days only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies to spend intimate time with God. However, when Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two! We now have free access to the Holy of Holies, and Jesus bids us enter. . .often! He longs to spend time with us in that place. And oh, what joy, when we enter in! Draw near to the Lord. Allow His Spirit to fill you daily. Let Him whisper sweet nothings in your ear and woo you with His love. The Spirit of God is your comforter, your friend. He fills you to overflowing. Watch the joy flow!

When we spend time with God, it’s like having an infusion. We’re hooked up to the “joy juice” as it were—his holy, God-breathed, invigorating life-source. Nothing else can take the place of this. There are no vitamins strong enough, no television show funny enough, no friends kind enough. Only in God’s presence can we get what we truly need. When we spend time with Him, he replaces our hurts, our pains, our hopelessness with supernatural joy. It’s inexplicable! 

Perhaps you’re familiar with the old hymn, Joy Unspeakable. The words still resonate with me today!

We have found the Christ who’s all in all;


He is everything to us;


O how blest upon His name to call,


How divine, how glorious!

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,


Full of glory, full of glory;


It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,


And the half has never yet been told!

(public domain)

Isn’t this what we long to share with our readers, after all? It’s not enough to be funny. It’s not enough to say, “Come and read my book. It’ll make you laugh out loud!” What we truly long to do is to touch the reader in a deep place and offer a life-giving joy that will sustain, beyond whatever he/she is going through. And the journey begins as we spend time with Him in the joy-filled place!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
      let them ever sing for joy. 
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11 NIV

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Morning Edict

            Dawn awakens and I attempt to do the same.  With diet soda in hand and eyes still crusted over from sleep, I drag up the stairs and cross over into hallowed territory.  In this sacred place I have witnessed miracles, waged wars and struggled to maintain my sanity. I love this spot nearly as much as I despise it.  A turn to the left, my heart aiming to the right, and I sit to translate His daily symphony.  My ritual has become almost commonplace, and I fear I might one day forget the awesome responsibility of this call – this blissful, gut-wrenching call. 

            The sublime dances alongside the mundane and I witness it all as my fingers prepare to transcribe the notes on the page.  These two worlds confuse and delight me.  Oh, the wonder of such a majestic composition!  Oh, the fragility of a heart aching to be used.  How great, the ensuing battle between the two.  I find myself forever torn between wanting to do His will and wondering if I am capable of constructing even one intelligent sentence.  Can I lay down my insecurities and selfish desires long enough to pencil the message the Lord places on my heart this morning?  Will there be a message worth conveying?

            The instruments begin to warm up – a harsh contrast to my ears as each one pits itself against the other.  For a brief moment I’m baffled by the cacophony of sounds, the sheer confusion of it all. Then, miraculously, all of the dissonance fades into one clear, singular note and I am free to begin.  My fingertips dance across near-silent keys, a stark contrast to the plinking and plunking of yesterday’s typewriter.  Today’s message tiptoes out onto a bright white screen, and I come alive as the oil begins to flow – blessed, holy oil that washes over me with its invigorating power.  The music is pouring now, and I am tuned in as never before.  I race.  I sit idle.  I sing in three keys at once.  I hold back, suspended in time.  I press anxious keys.  I wait in silence.  

            Sometimes, truth be told, I forget to wait.  Some days I forge ahead, anxious to meet the deadline, state my case and impress potential readers with carefully crafted words.  On those days, pride becomes my friend.  We feed one another tasteless foods and toast our victories with empty glasses. Then, just as quickly, arrogance gives way to defeat. There are days when I search aimlessly for words, unable to locate even one.  On those days, hopelessness seeps in and the enemy of my soul whispers the phrase I’ve grown to dread, “How can you offer up what you don’t even possess?”  Just as quickly, the voice of the Lord echoes loudly in my ears, reminding me that I possess heaven and earth.  Heaven, I can share with those on earth.  Heaven, I must share with those on earth.  

            I clamor for forgiveness and the Lord whispers words of solace. Hope kicks in and I’m on my way once more.  Faithful fingers begin to dance with joy and something miraculous occurs.  In that moment, as heaven and earth meet, self gives way to the Spirit of God.  I cease typing and He begins. Tiny black words tumble out onto a barren white screen, then somehow plunge forward into paragraphs.  Paragraphs gently press their way into full pages.  Pages majestically align themselves to compose chapters, and chapters gloriously sing until they erupt into books.  I don’t mind playing the role of spectator as His stories take shape.  In fact, I have grown rather accustomed to it.  

            Tomorrow morning I will rise from my bed and wipe the sleep from my eyes.  I will once again face the challenge of the call of God on my life – to write, or not to write? As I step foot onto that hallowed ground I call my workspace, I will empty myself of all I desire and give myself over.

            Again.

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