Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 125
November 16, 2018
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Missy Tippens provided a 30-Day Writing Habit Challenge (see the tab above). We hope you will join in and be a winner by establishing new habits!
Wednesday: Ruth Logan Herne strolled in and talked about the "Art of Writing" conference and The Christy Award gala in Nashville... and how she's already planning next fall's trip to Nashville for it! Thanks everyone who stopped by to leave a comment. Winners of her Christy Award finalist "Her Secret Daughter" are Jubilee Writer (Cindy!) and Lila... and winners of "A Cowboy Christmas" with Linda Goodnight are Sandy Smith and Amy Anguish! Be sure to send your info to our Seekerville address above, ladies!
Friday: Winnie Griggs took us on a Readers & 'Ritas weekend.
AND WAIT! WE HAVE A COUPLE OF WINNERS FROM LAST WEEK!
Last Friday, Beth shared her opinions on When Not To Read, and gave a wonderful recap of the Christy Awards! The winner of Ruth Logan Herne's Refuge Of The Heart is Carrie Turansky and the winner of The First Gift is Laura Connor Kestner.
Monday: Jan Drexler will be here with a post she's calling, "The Delight is in the Details."
Wednesday: Debby Giusti gets us in the Thanksgiving mood with her blog post, "Giving Thanks!" Add your comment to be included in the drawing for a copy of the fourth and final book in Debby's Amish Protectors series, AMISH CHRISTMAS SECRETS. Happy Thanksgiving! Friday: Pam Hillman will be our hostess.
Get your name in a drawing for a $150 Amazon Gift Card if you click this link and embrace the Rafflecopter-ness of it all.a Rafflecopter giveaway
COMING SOON! A surprise addition to Ruthy's "SHEPHERD'S CROSSING" series, a FREE ONLINE CHRISTMAS READ!!!! Ruth Logan Herne is so excited that readers will get to read lawyer and cowboy Mack Grayson's story for free on Harlequin.com... and a little more Christmas cheer from that sweet Western Idaho town "Shepherd's Crossing"... I'll keep you posted about dates when I have them... until then, let me just say Ruthy loves, loves, loves Christmas romance and to celebrate she's going to give away of another Shepherd's Crossing read "A Cowboy Christmas" to one weekend commenter! Leave a comment to be entered, sweet ones!
The winners of the ACFW First Impressions Contest are (drumroll):
Congratulations to the finalists for the 2018 First Impressions Contest.
Contemporary:Amanda Everett, Julia Kay, Mark Medley
Historical:Alton Fletcher, Pat Wagner, Peggy Wirgau
Historical Romance:C. F. Gannett, Savanna Kaiser, Renee Ann Smith
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:Tamelia (Tammy) Aday, PJ Gover, Bridget Snapp
Romance:Leslie De Vooght, Rebekah Millet, Janine Rosche
Romantic Suspense: Sami A. Abrams, Becca Kinzer, Beth Olsson
Short Novel:Sami A. Abrams, Stephanie Goddard, Kristy Horine
Speculative:Kristin Dowd, Laura Melnick, Shelly McClatchey
Young Adult:Rachel Evans, Robyn Hook, Kim Larson
The Novella category did not receive enough entries. Those that were received were placed in their secondary category choice.
Check outDebby Giusti'sinterview on THE SUSPENSE ZONEhttp://www.thesuspensezone.com/debby-giusti-interview-6/Stop by and leave a comment!
The Truth About Lies by Amanda Cabot at An Indie Adventure
The 4 Stages of Writing a Book from Draft to Publication by Joann Penn at The Creative Penn
Don't Be Too Smart or Clever In Your Book Descriptions by Jane Friedman at Jane Friedman
3 Keys to Novel-Writing Success by C.S. Lakin at Live Write Thrive
November 15, 2018
Readers & Ritas Reader Weekend
Hi everyone, Winnie Griggs here.Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the always fun Readers & Ritas conference in Dallas. It's put on by the wonderful folks at Fresh Fiction and they've been sponsoring the event since 2008. I'd attended a number of these in the past, and always had a fabulous time, but then I had to miss it in 2016 and 2017 due to schedule conflicts. So I was really excited when things aligned perfectly for me to be able to return this year.
When I looked over the schedule I discovered that the organizers had made some great changes to the event offerings that increased the value for everyone. For instance, you can now register for writing workshops that are held on the morning and early afternoon on the Friday of the event. And there is a Scavenger Hunt on mid afternoon Friday that wasn't there before - a great opportunity for the authors and readers to meet and interact in a fun way. So here is a quick look at how my weekend went.
My first activity was the Scavenger Hunt. The way this was set up, each participating author was assigned a station in one of two large rooms and the attendees went around to each station, collecting signatures and tokens to be entered into a drawing for a prize. Each author had some sort of activity for the readers to perform during their stop - for instance some had bean bag toss games, some had quick craft activities, others had guessing games and such. For my station I decided to do a tea-themed event. I found some cute little teaspoon favors with conversation starters on them and a teapot shaped spinner, so I had each person pick a spoon and answer the question, and then they got to spin the arrow on the teapot. Whatever color spot the arrow landed on determined what prize they won - candy, a small tea-themed Christmas ornament, book lover button, etc. Everyone seemed to have fun with it.
Later that evening, four other authors and I (Sasha Summers, Tracy Wolff, C.A.Szarek and Sherry Thomas) sponsored an author bingo. It's played like regular bingo except instead of the letters B-I-N-G-O across the top you have the author names and instead of numbers down the columns you have book titles. We had a nice crowd show up, lots of prizes were distributed, and much fun and hilarity ensued.
The next day kicked off with a breakfast with hosted tables and a Q&A session with one of the attending authors. Afterward I sat on a panel with the lovely Becky Wade and always fun Piper Drake where we talked about our various experiences with research - I know our attendees must have picked up on some good info because I learned quite a bit from listening to these two savvy ladies!
At lunch it was my turn to host a table of readers. Since I have a Christmas reissue this year I decided to go with a Christmas theme for my decorations. Below is a photo of how the table looked before the doors opened. Unfortunately I was having so much fun chatting with everyone I forgot to snap a photo of my guests.
After lunch I spent time in the Author Lounge chatting with more of the reader attendees and getting to know them better, then it was time for the big book signing.
That evening we had a special treat. Author Nancy Naigle was there to speak about her experience having some of her books turned into movies and how it has been working with the folks at Hallmark. We also got to see previews of some of those upcoming movies, a real treat!
There was a brunch and closing activities the next morning, but unfortunately I had to leave early and missed out on that. But all in all it was a really great weekend.
Here is a group shot of some of the authors in attendance - there I am, right smack dab in the middle of the pack! Can you pick out any other familiar faces?
So have you attended any reader-focused conferences yourself? Do you have any favorite experiences with them you'd like to share?
November 13, 2018
The Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala
I had the honor to be a 2018 Christy Award finalist for my February Love Inspired book "Her Secret Daughter". The book is a beautiful story of a mother's sacrificial love... and how the darkest times of our lives can be turned to brightness with faith, hope and love... and sacrifice.
The Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association has coupled an afternoon-long writing conference called "The Art of Writing" with their detailed handling of The Christy Award and The Christy Award Gala. Here is a link to their initial press announcement in 2017.
There are multiple writer's conferences throughout the year. Regional conferences, national conferences, romance conferences and Christian conferences. The goal of a writers' conference is to teach, inspire, share, network.... it's multi-faceted. And no conference can be all things to all people. Authors need to weigh return on investment when they lay out the costs of attending a conference. That's one of the first pluses about this abbreviated conference. The ECPA offered the afternoon sessions and the gala for $69.00/each. If you signed up for both, the bundled price was $99.00 Now if you're flying in and staying at a hotel or air B&B, you're adding costs. Those have to be looked at. But if you can drive in and share a hotel room, you can literally be part of this conference for a few hundred dollars. Including food and Starbucks coffee.
The sessions and Gala are all at Lipscomb University in Nashville. Parking is free. You're shuttled into the heart of the university. Your buildings are to your right, left and in front of you. Nothing about this was difficult. (this is not true of a lot of conferences) Added to that, Nashville has become a hub of publishing, second only to New York City now. For additional networking possibilities, the writers conference is scheduled to follow ECPA's "Publishing University" (PubU) where publishers are gathered for a day-and-a-half affair to help expand their markets and understanding of publishing trends.
Food and Starbucks are adjacent to your areas.
Food is plentiful and lots of inexpensive choices in Nashville areas.
Hotels are expensive there, but if you're sharing a room, that one night at the hotel just became $100 instead of $200.... Or if you share with three or four folks, then you've reduced that cost again!
Here's the rundown on The Art of Writing Conference sessions: (This is the part you should pay attention too, although the gala was AMAZING and fun.... but work first. Fun after!)
1. First session was amazingly informative hour-long talk by Donald Miller, CEO of "Storybrand". I learned more in this one hour of information than I have in dozens of marketing classes over the years. You know me. (If you don't know me, then you should know me because I'm not easily impressed.) I'm a Yankee and we Yankees tend toward skepticism. When Don explained his thoughts on simplification, it made perfect sense. And his timing was spot on. We also received a hardcover copy of his bestselling book "Building Your Story Brand", courtesy of Harper Collins.
2. Second session was an editor panel addressing common myths of publication. Panel was Shannon Marchese, (Waterbrook) Dan Balow (Gilead) and Beth Adams (Howard Books). Panelists addressed common misconceptions about author perceptions of publishers in a direct manner. They also asked me about Love Inspired... and that was nice, to be able to tell folks about one of my publishers in a professional forum. Amy Green from Bethany House was the moderator for this, and she did a great job of presenting questions and adding bits from her perspective as well.
3. Sarah Arthur, author of over a dozen books on the intersection of faith and fiction in story. Sarah came to us two weeks out of chemo after a summertime diagnosis of breast cancer. To say she was inspiring is like a crazy understatement.
4. Author panel on writing, publishing, indie publishing, choices, opportunities, faith. This panel had a slightly uncomfortable NYT bestselling author Charles Martin (who did an amazing speech that evening... I realized he's not real comfortable with on-the-spot questions but seemed quite comfortable offering his prepared remarks and that's okay!), Joanne Bischoff, Carla Laureano, Jerry Jenkins and moderator Beth Adams (who is an executive editor with Howard Books but also a co-author with me on the Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard series out of Guideposts).
Fun thirty-minute break in the middle allowed us to browse cool stuff in the lobby, including our own Carrie, Beth's and Annie's "Just Read" tour tables... light refreshments included fruity water, bottled water, soda, coffee and bags of Cracker Jacks. It would be wrong of me to pretend I don't love Cracker Jacks, which meant I was amazingly happy. :)
Following the four-session conference, there was a light reception in one hall while finalists had a private reception in another hall where they could mingle and meet past Christy winners, presenters, industry professionals, publishers, etc. Both receptions were great hug-giving photo-op opportunities... and made folks smile. An office was turned into a cloak room for the day, so that day clothes could be swapped for evening clothes in a nearby ladies room... And how fun was that, all of us getting ready together? Laughing? Helping? The best!
Then this was all followed by the most elegant gala I've attended in my writing career, including THREE forks...
You know it's fancy when three forks are involved! :) A most delicious dinner... not rushed... the banquet staff had the tables set so that each course moved quickly and calmly.... and then a two hour gracious and pretty flawless presentation of awards with funny or warm or philosophical vignettes separating the award presentations.
In ten hours, from noon registration pick up to the gala's close shortly before ten o'clock, the day was absolutely marvelous... for $99.
I was so glad to see packed rooms. Meet publishers. Meet editors. The kindness of everyone was notable.
What I would do differently: Just one thing and it's on a personal note:
I was in the Opry Mills Mall and saw a beautiful holiday skirt and top on a mannequin and bought it... because I'm wearing that to next year's gala! That means I'm not hinging my trip on a Christy final... I'm already planning to be there and enjoy Nashville and ECPA hospitality again!
I loved my evening dress, but it was a little understated for the formality and this way I got one on sale (HAPPY!) and timeless. Because who knows how many of these fun events we might get to attend in our lives?
The timing of this one works well for me because farm season is over... life is calming down... and I love getting together with other industry professionals and aspiring authors. My time here in Seekerville has made that such an important part of my joy of writing... and it's so much fun to meet the people beyond the tiny Google pics! :)
To sum up, this was a great experience. I didn't come home with the beautiful award, that's true. This time! :)
But I came home with good business savvy, some great ideas and new friendships... and also an incredibly good impression of Stan Jantz and the ECPA. Stan is the CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and just a downright nice man. And Cindy Carter, the Gala organizer, is amazing.
Beth Jamison of Jamison Editing went with me. We took a day and tooled around Belle Meade (after we got in from the airport), The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home), The Gaylord Opryland Hotel (stunningly beautiful!). There is a ton to see and do in Nashville... we drove through Music Row and saw Vanderbilt University (gorgeous!) but limited ourselves to three stops... because hopefully we'll be there again next year.
And our car rental was crazy fun for us farm women... because the car we were renting came back damaged so Avis gave us a Nissan Titan V-8 crew cab 4 x 4 to tool around Nashville... and we love driving pick-up trucks, so this flashy monster was great fun!
Feel free to ask questions... and there are cheaper hotels in the Nashville area. A lot of them... so if you don't mind driving, you can book rooms a little farther from Lipscomb University and save some money that way, too.
I've got two copies of my Christy finaling book "Her Secret Daughter" to give away today...
and two copies of my duo with Linda Goodnight "A Cowboy Christmas"...
Leave a comment below and I'll tuck your name in the candy dish... usually I'm using the cat dish for drawings, but with the holidays approaching, I think a candy dish is more festive. :) #holidayfun
Multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne loves creating unforgettable characters in house-next-door settings or opulent neighborhoods... or even prairie meadows! Visit her website at ruthloganherne.com, friend her on facebook as Ruth Logan Herne and/or follow her on Twitter! She loves to chat with readers... and writers... and pretty much anyone who'll listen!
The Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association has coupled an afternoon-long writing conference called "The Art of Writing" with their detailed handling of The Christy Award and The Christy Award Gala. Here is a link to their initial press announcement in 2017.
There are multiple writer's conferences throughout the year. Regional conferences, national conferences, romance conferences and Christian conferences. The goal of a writers' conference is to teach, inspire, share, network.... it's multi-faceted. And no conference can be all things to all people. Authors need to weigh return on investment when they lay out the costs of attending a conference. That's one of the first pluses about this abbreviated conference. The ECPA offered the afternoon sessions and the gala for $69.00/each. If you signed up for both, the bundled price was $99.00 Now if you're flying in and staying at a hotel or air B&B, you're adding costs. Those have to be looked at. But if you can drive in and share a hotel room, you can literally be part of this conference for a few hundred dollars. Including food and Starbucks coffee.
The sessions and Gala are all at Lipscomb University in Nashville. Parking is free. You're shuttled into the heart of the university. Your buildings are to your right, left and in front of you. Nothing about this was difficult. (this is not true of a lot of conferences) Added to that, Nashville has become a hub of publishing, second only to New York City now. For additional networking possibilities, the writers conference is scheduled to follow ECPA's "Publishing University" (PubU) where publishers are gathered for a day-and-a-half affair to help expand their markets and understanding of publishing trends.
Food and Starbucks are adjacent to your areas.
Food is plentiful and lots of inexpensive choices in Nashville areas.
Hotels are expensive there, but if you're sharing a room, that one night at the hotel just became $100 instead of $200.... Or if you share with three or four folks, then you've reduced that cost again!
Here's the rundown on The Art of Writing Conference sessions: (This is the part you should pay attention too, although the gala was AMAZING and fun.... but work first. Fun after!)
1. First session was amazingly informative hour-long talk by Donald Miller, CEO of "Storybrand". I learned more in this one hour of information than I have in dozens of marketing classes over the years. You know me. (If you don't know me, then you should know me because I'm not easily impressed.) I'm a Yankee and we Yankees tend toward skepticism. When Don explained his thoughts on simplification, it made perfect sense. And his timing was spot on. We also received a hardcover copy of his bestselling book "Building Your Story Brand", courtesy of Harper Collins.
2. Second session was an editor panel addressing common myths of publication. Panel was Shannon Marchese, (Waterbrook) Dan Balow (Gilead) and Beth Adams (Howard Books). Panelists addressed common misconceptions about author perceptions of publishers in a direct manner. They also asked me about Love Inspired... and that was nice, to be able to tell folks about one of my publishers in a professional forum. Amy Green from Bethany House was the moderator for this, and she did a great job of presenting questions and adding bits from her perspective as well.3. Sarah Arthur, author of over a dozen books on the intersection of faith and fiction in story. Sarah came to us two weeks out of chemo after a summertime diagnosis of breast cancer. To say she was inspiring is like a crazy understatement.
4. Author panel on writing, publishing, indie publishing, choices, opportunities, faith. This panel had a slightly uncomfortable NYT bestselling author Charles Martin (who did an amazing speech that evening... I realized he's not real comfortable with on-the-spot questions but seemed quite comfortable offering his prepared remarks and that's okay!), Joanne Bischoff, Carla Laureano, Jerry Jenkins and moderator Beth Adams (who is an executive editor with Howard Books but also a co-author with me on the Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard series out of Guideposts).
Fun thirty-minute break in the middle allowed us to browse cool stuff in the lobby, including our own Carrie, Beth's and Annie's "Just Read" tour tables... light refreshments included fruity water, bottled water, soda, coffee and bags of Cracker Jacks. It would be wrong of me to pretend I don't love Cracker Jacks, which meant I was amazingly happy. :)
Following the four-session conference, there was a light reception in one hall while finalists had a private reception in another hall where they could mingle and meet past Christy winners, presenters, industry professionals, publishers, etc. Both receptions were great hug-giving photo-op opportunities... and made folks smile. An office was turned into a cloak room for the day, so that day clothes could be swapped for evening clothes in a nearby ladies room... And how fun was that, all of us getting ready together? Laughing? Helping? The best!
Then this was all followed by the most elegant gala I've attended in my writing career, including THREE forks...
You know it's fancy when three forks are involved! :) A most delicious dinner... not rushed... the banquet staff had the tables set so that each course moved quickly and calmly.... and then a two hour gracious and pretty flawless presentation of awards with funny or warm or philosophical vignettes separating the award presentations.
In ten hours, from noon registration pick up to the gala's close shortly before ten o'clock, the day was absolutely marvelous... for $99.
I was so glad to see packed rooms. Meet publishers. Meet editors. The kindness of everyone was notable.
What I would do differently: Just one thing and it's on a personal note:
I was in the Opry Mills Mall and saw a beautiful holiday skirt and top on a mannequin and bought it... because I'm wearing that to next year's gala! That means I'm not hinging my trip on a Christy final... I'm already planning to be there and enjoy Nashville and ECPA hospitality again!
I loved my evening dress, but it was a little understated for the formality and this way I got one on sale (HAPPY!) and timeless. Because who knows how many of these fun events we might get to attend in our lives?
The timing of this one works well for me because farm season is over... life is calming down... and I love getting together with other industry professionals and aspiring authors. My time here in Seekerville has made that such an important part of my joy of writing... and it's so much fun to meet the people beyond the tiny Google pics! :)
To sum up, this was a great experience. I didn't come home with the beautiful award, that's true. This time! :)
But I came home with good business savvy, some great ideas and new friendships... and also an incredibly good impression of Stan Jantz and the ECPA. Stan is the CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and just a downright nice man. And Cindy Carter, the Gala organizer, is amazing.
Beth Jamison of Jamison Editing went with me. We took a day and tooled around Belle Meade (after we got in from the airport), The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home), The Gaylord Opryland Hotel (stunningly beautiful!). There is a ton to see and do in Nashville... we drove through Music Row and saw Vanderbilt University (gorgeous!) but limited ourselves to three stops... because hopefully we'll be there again next year.
And our car rental was crazy fun for us farm women... because the car we were renting came back damaged so Avis gave us a Nissan Titan V-8 crew cab 4 x 4 to tool around Nashville... and we love driving pick-up trucks, so this flashy monster was great fun!
Feel free to ask questions... and there are cheaper hotels in the Nashville area. A lot of them... so if you don't mind driving, you can book rooms a little farther from Lipscomb University and save some money that way, too.
I've got two copies of my Christy finaling book "Her Secret Daughter" to give away today...
and two copies of my duo with Linda Goodnight "A Cowboy Christmas"...
Leave a comment below and I'll tuck your name in the candy dish... usually I'm using the cat dish for drawings, but with the holidays approaching, I think a candy dish is more festive. :) #holidayfun
Multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne loves creating unforgettable characters in house-next-door settings or opulent neighborhoods... or even prairie meadows! Visit her website at ruthloganherne.com, friend her on facebook as Ruth Logan Herne and/or follow her on Twitter! She loves to chat with readers... and writers... and pretty much anyone who'll listen! November 11, 2018
30-Day Writing Habit Challenge!
Missy Tippens
Are you looking to develop or maintain a writing habit? This post is for you! Whether you’re writing madly right now with NaNoWriMo and want to continue the habit, or you’re not writing at all, I hope today’s post will help. PLUS! I have a challenge for you at the end to assist in forming your new habit.
When researching how we develop habits, I checked out the Psychology Today blog. I’ll be sharing my takeaway from these two posts and will include some tips from the articles:
The Habit Replacement Loop by Bernard J. Luskin, Ed.D., LMFT.
Stop Making New Goals--Create Habits Instead by Marcia Reynolds, Psy.D.
In Dr. Reynolds’s article, she quotes a study by Neal, Wood and Quinn that says we humans are creatures of habit—and in fact, nearly half of what we do each day is out of habit (repeated behavior). So I think we need to choose wisely what we make into a habit rather than just falling into a pattern by default.
Want to be in the habit of watching TV? Watch TV daily.Want to be in the habit of checking email? Check email daily (or 45 times a day!).Want to be in the habit of writing daily? You get the picture. :)
But often we’ll set a goal of getting up early and writing each day (or of writing after dinner or during our lunch break or while in the carpool line or at soccer practice with the kids). And then we’ll jump into that new schedule we’ve committed to. But before we know it, we hit the snooze figuring we need the sleep more. Or we get caught up in a new series on TV that’s all the rage. And quickly, that new goal goes by the wayside (New Year’s resolutions, anyone?). Before we know it, we’re back to our old habits.
Dr. Reynolds says, “You must take deliberate, consistent actions repeatedly over time to defy your brain if you want to achieve the results you desire.” She says we basically have to trick our brain into accepting that the new habit is “achievable and worth the effort,” so we don’t start rationalizing (I need sleep more than I need to get up and hit the gym).
Crazy how our brains work! That’s why working gradually, and daily, will help us change our habits or form new ones.
In his article, Dr. Luskin says: “The good news is that we now know that, through repetition, it's possible to form and maintain new habits. Enter ‘The Habit Replacement Loop (HRL)’.”
He talks about habit memory as if it’s similar to muscle memory. And says repetition is the key to creating an automatic habit response.
Luskin specifically mentions the 3 components of habits:1. A trigger/cue (for me, this would be finishing my devotional/prayer time, and then sitting down at the computer with my coffee and opening Word).2. The behavior (the actual writing—aiming for attainable goals repeated over and over).3. A reward which causes our brain to remember (keeping track of and cheering my successes as well as reminding myself that I’m doing something positive that is helping my productivity)
This reward fits in nicely with Reynolds’s idea that we need to demonstrate to our brain that what we’re doing is GOOD and something we can succeed at.
We can do this! We can replace old habits with new. We can train/re-train ourselves to consistently write.
To help you do that—should you choose to accept this mission!—I’ve come up with a 30-Day Writing Habit Challenge! I’ve created a tab at the top of the blog. Click it and you’ll find a daily writing prompt for the next 30 days. Some are short and fun, some will make you think, some will help you with craft. I tried to come up with a variety to keep you interested and writing each day. And I hope that by the end of 30 days you will havetricked persuaded your brain that writing daily is a good thing and you’re going to be great at it!
Feel free to check in to encourage each other in the comments section on the Challenge tab (comments only, not your writings). Then we’ll celebrate at the end. Even if you don’t take the time to comment daily, I hope you’ll let us know if you finish the challenge! And if you’re NaNo-ing, feel free to join us any time you can.
So, do you think daily repetition with rewards can help you change or create habits?
While we're chatting today, let's be sure to remember our Veterans. I'm grateful for them and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country! I hope you'll thank a Veteran today.
Missy has a recently-released Christmas novella! His Perfect Christmas .
Unlucky in love, police deputy Hardy Greenway has spent his life in the friend zone. But now he’s fallen hard for the girlfriend of his nemesis. Dori Blanchette has been waiting for a proposal from her boyfriend, but how can she say yes when she has feelings for Hardy? With Christmas tree ornaments playing spontaneously and secrets being revealed, there’s no telling who will end up together at Christmas!
Welcome to Dahlia, Georgia, where everyone feels welcome!
Bio:After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy Tippensmade her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com,https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.
Are you looking to develop or maintain a writing habit? This post is for you! Whether you’re writing madly right now with NaNoWriMo and want to continue the habit, or you’re not writing at all, I hope today’s post will help. PLUS! I have a challenge for you at the end to assist in forming your new habit.
When researching how we develop habits, I checked out the Psychology Today blog. I’ll be sharing my takeaway from these two posts and will include some tips from the articles:
The Habit Replacement Loop by Bernard J. Luskin, Ed.D., LMFT.
Stop Making New Goals--Create Habits Instead by Marcia Reynolds, Psy.D.
In Dr. Reynolds’s article, she quotes a study by Neal, Wood and Quinn that says we humans are creatures of habit—and in fact, nearly half of what we do each day is out of habit (repeated behavior). So I think we need to choose wisely what we make into a habit rather than just falling into a pattern by default.
Want to be in the habit of watching TV? Watch TV daily.Want to be in the habit of checking email? Check email daily (or 45 times a day!).Want to be in the habit of writing daily? You get the picture. :)
But often we’ll set a goal of getting up early and writing each day (or of writing after dinner or during our lunch break or while in the carpool line or at soccer practice with the kids). And then we’ll jump into that new schedule we’ve committed to. But before we know it, we hit the snooze figuring we need the sleep more. Or we get caught up in a new series on TV that’s all the rage. And quickly, that new goal goes by the wayside (New Year’s resolutions, anyone?). Before we know it, we’re back to our old habits.
Dr. Reynolds says, “You must take deliberate, consistent actions repeatedly over time to defy your brain if you want to achieve the results you desire.” She says we basically have to trick our brain into accepting that the new habit is “achievable and worth the effort,” so we don’t start rationalizing (I need sleep more than I need to get up and hit the gym).
Crazy how our brains work! That’s why working gradually, and daily, will help us change our habits or form new ones.
In his article, Dr. Luskin says: “The good news is that we now know that, through repetition, it's possible to form and maintain new habits. Enter ‘The Habit Replacement Loop (HRL)’.”
He talks about habit memory as if it’s similar to muscle memory. And says repetition is the key to creating an automatic habit response.
Luskin specifically mentions the 3 components of habits:1. A trigger/cue (for me, this would be finishing my devotional/prayer time, and then sitting down at the computer with my coffee and opening Word).2. The behavior (the actual writing—aiming for attainable goals repeated over and over).3. A reward which causes our brain to remember (keeping track of and cheering my successes as well as reminding myself that I’m doing something positive that is helping my productivity)
This reward fits in nicely with Reynolds’s idea that we need to demonstrate to our brain that what we’re doing is GOOD and something we can succeed at.
We can do this! We can replace old habits with new. We can train/re-train ourselves to consistently write.
To help you do that—should you choose to accept this mission!—I’ve come up with a 30-Day Writing Habit Challenge! I’ve created a tab at the top of the blog. Click it and you’ll find a daily writing prompt for the next 30 days. Some are short and fun, some will make you think, some will help you with craft. I tried to come up with a variety to keep you interested and writing each day. And I hope that by the end of 30 days you will have
Feel free to check in to encourage each other in the comments section on the Challenge tab (comments only, not your writings). Then we’ll celebrate at the end. Even if you don’t take the time to comment daily, I hope you’ll let us know if you finish the challenge! And if you’re NaNo-ing, feel free to join us any time you can.
So, do you think daily repetition with rewards can help you change or create habits?
While we're chatting today, let's be sure to remember our Veterans. I'm grateful for them and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country! I hope you'll thank a Veteran today.
Missy has a recently-released Christmas novella! His Perfect Christmas .
Unlucky in love, police deputy Hardy Greenway has spent his life in the friend zone. But now he’s fallen hard for the girlfriend of his nemesis. Dori Blanchette has been waiting for a proposal from her boyfriend, but how can she say yes when she has feelings for Hardy? With Christmas tree ornaments playing spontaneously and secrets being revealed, there’s no telling who will end up together at Christmas!
Welcome to Dahlia, Georgia, where everyone feels welcome!
Bio:After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy Tippensmade her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com,https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.
November 9, 2018
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: On Monday we faced the mind-boggling (now) question of what would we do if the Internet disappeared? What would we miss? How would we function? Ruth Logan Herne offered two lovely books up for giveaways... The winner of Ruthy's Christmas duo with Linda Goodnight is Elaine Stock! And the winner of the 2-in-1 with Gail Martin is Lila! Congratulations, lovelies!
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus pulled back the curtain to reveal her writing process in Where Do I Start (to write a book)?
Friday: Beth shared her opinions on When Not To Read, and gave a wonderful recap of the Christy Awards!
Monday: Missy Tippens is talking about how to train our brains to develop a writing habit. If you're doing NaNoWriMo right now, be sure to stop by to find out how to continue your writing streak! And if you're new to writing or not writing regularly, then come by to find out how to get started. She'll even be providing a "30-Day Writing Habit Challenge" that will give you daily writing prompts!
Wednesday: On Wednesday Ruth Logan Herne is hanging out to talk about the recent Art of Writing Conference and Christy Award Gala she attended in Nashville a few days ago... She rated both as a "MUST DO AGAIN" and that's a little rare for our Ruthy! Stop by Wednesday... Ruthy will be happy to answer questions about the ECPA-sponsored events (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) and she's got more Christmas book giveaways... See you then, my friends! Friday: Winnie Griggs is over in Dallas this weekend having a blast at a fun reader con. She'll be by on Friday to tell us all about it and share a writing tip or two.
Ruthy was in Nashville for the 2nd Annual ECPA-sponsored Art of Writing Conference and she saw so many wonderful people there! More about the conference on Wednesday, but here are a few pics of the amazing day at Lipscomb University in Nashville.
Ruthy and Beth Jamison of Jamison Editing. Beth edits all of Ruthy's indie work...
Carrie Booth Schmidt and the wonderful Eric Schmidt, Beth Erin, Ruthy, and Suzie W. 
Megan Besing and Sara Ella!
Heather Day Gilbert, Michelle Griep and Ruthy (three finalists for Short Form category)
Amazingly wonderful reader and author Kc Frantzen and Heather Gilbert 
Erica Vetsch will be signing books at the Christos BookCenter located at 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55902. Saturday from 5-7 pm, and Sunday from 8am-12:30 pm. Come by if you're in the area...or drive a long ways and come by anyway! :)
Three Christmas Novellas--previously released though not in print books, only ebooks.Longhorn Christmas, The Sweetest Gift, The Christmas CandleLonghorn Christmas Netty Lewis, a lonely young widow is saved from a raging mama longhorn by a passing cowboy who's been wandering since the end of the Civil War.She needs help surviving her rugged life and caring for Jeremiah, her young son. Nettie and Roy, along with Jeremiah begin a journey toward Christmas, family, home and love.And a herd of longhorns are making the way hard.
A sweet re-telling of The Gift of the Magi--with a happy ending. The Sweetest Gift She longs for music. He needs a valuable horse to improve his herd.When Christmas comes the gift they truly give is the gift of love.The Christmas Candle A lonely widower with a pair of out-of-control sons he never got to know while their mother was alive.A woman with a love of nature and beauty and scent...and the little boys seem determined to destroy her way of life.A feisty Ozark mountain granny who doesn't put up with much nonsense.The gift of a candle for Christmas and a Christ child who is a perfect match for this scent of heaven.
Missy's Christmas novella,
His Perfect Christmas
, has released! Click here for more info.From Romance Writers of America RITA® Award finalist author Missy Tippens comes the Home to Dahlia, Georgia, series of novellas.
Unlucky in love, police deputy Hardy Greenway has spent his life in the friend zone. But now he’s fallen hard for the girlfriend of his nemesis. Dori Blanchette has been waiting for a proposal from her boyfriend, but how can she say yes when she has feelings for Hardy? With Christmas tree ornaments playing spontaneously and secrets being revealed, there’s no telling who will end up together at Christmas!
Welcome to Dahlia, Georgia, where everyone feels welcome!
COVER REVEAL
AMISH SAFE HOUSEByDEBBY GIUSTI
The second book in the new Love Inspired SuspenseAmish Witness Protection Continuity
AMISH SAFE HOUSEHiding in Plain Sight The second thrilling Amish Witness Protection novel After Julia Bradford’s son witnesses a gang shooting, hiding in witness protection on Abraham King’s Amish farm is the only hope the Englischer and her children have. Even as danger closes in, Julia is drawn to the community’s peaceful ways—and the ex-cop turned Amish protector. But when their location is discovered, can Abraham protect her family…and possibly have a future by her side?
Pre-order HERE!
You'll also find Debby chatting on theChristian Fiction Readers Retreat Blog: https://christianfictionreadersretreat.blogspot.com/2018/10/candid-moments-with-cfrr-author-debby.html
Writers Beware of the Legal Pitfalls-Copyright Basics pt 3 by Karen Van Den Heuval at Thyme For Writers
12 Weeks to a First Draft by Writer's Digest University at Writer's Digest
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Immersion for Writers by Hayley Watkins at Live Write Thrive
In Loving Memory
Bonnie Roof
Beloved supporter of Christian fiction, authors and readers, long-time Seekervillager Bonnie Roof went home to Jesus on November 7, 2018. Not only did Bonnie love and promote authors whenever she could, she was also a faithful prayer warrior. With Seekers Annie & Carrie, she started the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat in 2016, and they personally counted her a dear friend. One that will not easily be forgotten and whose impact will be felt for years to come. Earth is emptier, but oh the rejoicing in heaven as she dances with her Savior.
Condolences can be left for the family HERE.
When NOT to Read and The Christy Awards Gala: One Reader's Experience
by Beth Erin
As my love of stories has grown, my role in the book world has obviously evolved (from avid reader to reviewer/book blogger/influencer to bookish magazine editor). I’m not sure this makes me an expert on anything, but it certainly has given me a generous dose of reading experience. Yet, there are also subtle ways the story footprint has quietly seeped deeper and gently spread wider in my little world.
Until an experience brings my attention to its increasing size and strength, I'm left unaware. Before I share about the most recent situation that triggered this wave of emotion and introspection, I’ve compiled the following etiquette guidelines with help from my book sisters for a bit of fun and perhaps to challenge our more rebellious villagers. Shockingly, there are times when reading is generally frowned upon.
Do NOT read when… driving, mowing, biking, skateboarding,cooking a new recipe,
your children are asking for permission to do something crazy and/or dangerous,
your husband is 'in the mood',
engaged in an important phone call,
you are in church (except DO read your Bible and any applicable song/hymn lyrics),
attending weddings and funerals,
using power tools, heavy tools, and sharp objects!
swimming (unless you have a waterproof ereader tethered to your person... in which case I am jelly and want one)
operating heavy machinery or unfamiliar exercise equipment
at the dinner table (unless you are eating alone then go for it, the characters will keep you company!)
attending parties, social gatherings, and organizational meetings (unless you are super stealth)
attending a baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer game or golfing, (ya might miss the "fore" while engrossed in your book unless you select your seating carefully, travel with a lookout… pop flies happen, y'all… or is that a foul ball? idk)
Do NOT read if you…don't want to improve yourself (reading makes you more empathetic and smarter),don't want to learn new things,
want to make conversation with strangers,
don't want to stretch your imagination,
are wearing your birthday suit (this is especially important for readers who read on a device with apps: beware of accidentally bumping Facebook live or some such travesty, there are things which cannot be unseen)
would rather rot your brains out with a television,
would prefer to watch the grass grow, or paint dry, or other equally exciting happenings,
feel empowered to fight crime, slay dragons, or engage in other high-risk behaviors which you are completely unprepared for because of your extensive collection of action/suspense/fantasy books.
Use extreme caution when reading and…walking, running,changing diapers,
doing dishes, cooking,
showering (curtain) or bathing (proceed at your own risk),
recognize unrealistic expectations (I’m totally series about this one. For example, don't read romance if it has a negative impact on your thought life, read Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge and Stephen Arterburn)
The Christy Awards GalaIf y’all haven’t watched The Christy Awards Gala yet, allow me to highly recommend it and remind you of the Facebook live playback link. As Ruthy mentioned in the Weekend Edition, she is one of this year's finalists so I'm sure she will share more within the next week or two. I also had the honor of attending this year's event in person and the evening completely blessed my reader heart.
From a shallow first love for their stories, beyond the early new love of common faith and friendship, to a deep, abiding love for my people who happen to be authors, an individual, familiar, bossom friends, spirit deep and God gifted love. Love filled that theater and I felt like more than "just a reader" in a crowd of professionals. There was a sense of belonging, of a second home, an extended family... their sorrows are my sorrows, their joys, my joy.
The fact that this profound gift was given on the same day our dear friend Bonnie Roof stood face to face with our Lord did not escape my notice so whether God was simply generous with a fresh touch of His grace or Bonnie put in a good word for me (she always had a kind and encouraging praise to share), I'm grateful for God's perfect timing, His patience, and His presence.
GiveawayComment below for a virtual hug and a chance to win a signed copy of Ruthy's Refuge of the Heart or The First Gift (with their traditionally published cover design). One winner for each title will be announced in the Weekend Edition.
Do you read in any of our NOT situations above? Who here attended the Christy's? who watched live? who watched the playback?
The Christy Awards 2018 Facebook Live playback
I feel obligated to leave this here, just in case...
Beth Erin is an Associate Editor of Hope by the Book magazine and a Christian Fiction Readers Retreat associate. She is a Christian fiction enthusiast, book reviewer, and blogger. Beth strives to edify and connect with readers and authors at Faithfully Bookish and on social media. She also contributes to the Hoarding Books & Diversity Between the Pages blogs. She is passionate about promoting authors and their entertaining, encouraging, and redemptive stories.
November 6, 2018
Where Do I Start (to write a book)?
by Mindy Obenhaus
In the beginning…
No.
Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place…
No, no, no.
How about this? I’m writing a new book. I have a hero and heroine and a three-paragraph blurb. How do I turn that into a 200+ page book?
Every writer has their own process. Mine has changed over time. Multi-book contracts have forced this pantser to become a plotter.
I wrote the blurb for this book two and half years ago when I first proposed my Rocky Mountain Heroes series to Love Inspired Books. Now it’s time to write the proposal for this final book in the series. That means it's time to figure this story out.
Theme and Scripture – The first thing I try to come up with in any story is a theme and scripture passage. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. Often, there are things that don’t come to me until I’m almost finished with the book. Or, I choose something only to have it change by the end. That’s okay. At this point, all I’m looking for is a general guide.
Goals and Motivation – Next, it’s on to my hero and heroine. I need to know what their story goals are. What is it they want when the story opens? Why? What’s their motivation? Actually, these things are in my original blurb, but now I have to develop them.
Stakes – Hand-in-hand with their story goals are the stakes. What will happen if they don’t achieve their goal? Example: In my April 2019 release, the hero wants his soon-to-be-open rodeo school to be a success. Why? So he can use it as an avenue to help troubled kids. But what if it isn’t a success? Then he loses his life savings that he sank into the school. What’s at stake drives the goal.
Greatest Dream – Okay, once I’ve got all of that figured out, I need to determine their greatest dream. What does their heart long for? Love? Acceptance? A family? This is more than just a job or a promotion, we’re talking about their heart’s desire. Something they’ve, possibly, never told another soul.
Greatest Fear – Finally, I need to know their greatest fear. No, not spiders or snakes. Well, unless you’re writing an Indiana-Jones-type story, then snakes will work.
In my book, Falling for the Hometown Hero, the hero’s greatest fear is coming face-to-face with the families of the men who were with him the night he was driving their Humvee and hit a trip wire. The blast killed his four buddies and he believes the families will blame him for their deaths just the way he blames himself.
Fear is a great motivator and will cause us to do/prevent us from doing a lot of things.
Now that I have all of this information, I have to come up with a plot that will put my characters in situations that will challenge their goals, up the stakes and cause them to question their dreams and face their fears.
Some writers go straight to the synopsis. Me, I use a plotting chart. A writer friend turned me onto this a number of years ago and it’s helped me discover that this pantser really can plot.
Basically, it’s a chart with chapter numbers in one column and a box for the hero and heroine’s POV for each chapter. There, I’ll write a brief thought on what happens in the scene and the POV character’s GMC. Or I’ll have snippets of conversations. I give myself permission to write here. Sometimes the entire scene. Whatever pops into my head gets typed in. Something that appeases the pantser in me.
Once all or most of the scenes are filled in on my chart, then it’s onto the synopsis. I cut and paste everything from my chart then delete, add… Basically pretty things up until the synopsis sounds like an actual story.
Finally, it’s on to the chapters. And, because each scene is already plotted, I can write the book much faster. And when we’re talking deadlines, faster is always better.
There you have it, a glimpse into the steps this writer goes through at the beginning of each and every book. Now it’s your turn. How do you get started on a new book? Are you a pantser or a plotter? Do deadlines affect your process? Readers, have you ever closed a book and thought you might like to write a story, but didn't know where to start? Remember, you'll never know until you give it a try.
Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
In the beginning…No.
Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place…
No, no, no.
How about this? I’m writing a new book. I have a hero and heroine and a three-paragraph blurb. How do I turn that into a 200+ page book?
Every writer has their own process. Mine has changed over time. Multi-book contracts have forced this pantser to become a plotter.
I wrote the blurb for this book two and half years ago when I first proposed my Rocky Mountain Heroes series to Love Inspired Books. Now it’s time to write the proposal for this final book in the series. That means it's time to figure this story out.
Theme and Scripture – The first thing I try to come up with in any story is a theme and scripture passage. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. Often, there are things that don’t come to me until I’m almost finished with the book. Or, I choose something only to have it change by the end. That’s okay. At this point, all I’m looking for is a general guide.
Goals and Motivation – Next, it’s on to my hero and heroine. I need to know what their story goals are. What is it they want when the story opens? Why? What’s their motivation? Actually, these things are in my original blurb, but now I have to develop them.
Stakes – Hand-in-hand with their story goals are the stakes. What will happen if they don’t achieve their goal? Example: In my April 2019 release, the hero wants his soon-to-be-open rodeo school to be a success. Why? So he can use it as an avenue to help troubled kids. But what if it isn’t a success? Then he loses his life savings that he sank into the school. What’s at stake drives the goal.
Greatest Dream – Okay, once I’ve got all of that figured out, I need to determine their greatest dream. What does their heart long for? Love? Acceptance? A family? This is more than just a job or a promotion, we’re talking about their heart’s desire. Something they’ve, possibly, never told another soul.
Greatest Fear – Finally, I need to know their greatest fear. No, not spiders or snakes. Well, unless you’re writing an Indiana-Jones-type story, then snakes will work.
In my book, Falling for the Hometown Hero, the hero’s greatest fear is coming face-to-face with the families of the men who were with him the night he was driving their Humvee and hit a trip wire. The blast killed his four buddies and he believes the families will blame him for their deaths just the way he blames himself.
Fear is a great motivator and will cause us to do/prevent us from doing a lot of things.
Now that I have all of this information, I have to come up with a plot that will put my characters in situations that will challenge their goals, up the stakes and cause them to question their dreams and face their fears.Some writers go straight to the synopsis. Me, I use a plotting chart. A writer friend turned me onto this a number of years ago and it’s helped me discover that this pantser really can plot.
Basically, it’s a chart with chapter numbers in one column and a box for the hero and heroine’s POV for each chapter. There, I’ll write a brief thought on what happens in the scene and the POV character’s GMC. Or I’ll have snippets of conversations. I give myself permission to write here. Sometimes the entire scene. Whatever pops into my head gets typed in. Something that appeases the pantser in me.
Once all or most of the scenes are filled in on my chart, then it’s onto the synopsis. I cut and paste everything from my chart then delete, add… Basically pretty things up until the synopsis sounds like an actual story.
Finally, it’s on to the chapters. And, because each scene is already plotted, I can write the book much faster. And when we’re talking deadlines, faster is always better.
There you have it, a glimpse into the steps this writer goes through at the beginning of each and every book. Now it’s your turn. How do you get started on a new book? Are you a pantser or a plotter? Do deadlines affect your process? Readers, have you ever closed a book and thought you might like to write a story, but didn't know where to start? Remember, you'll never know until you give it a try.
Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.comNovember 5, 2018
Life After Internet
Mary's internet is down.
This creates a problem for last minute gals like us because while we're good at so many things, if something goes wrong at the last minute...
A minute we were counting on to get a job done...
We're flummoxed.
Now I know you're thinking "Ruthy... this is a simple solution. Do stuff ahead of time."
And of course that's BRILLIANT!!!!! You guys are so smart!
But what happens to the best laid plans even when you're prepared?
That's what we're talking about today. Writers before the internet had a huge job/task to gather information. We're talking libraries... snail mail letters sent to experts, then waiting for the graciousness of a reply that might or might not come.
They had to hunt down bits and pieces of information. Tabulate and categorize them manually. By hand!!! And then keep it all straight as they wrote huge tomes about life... love... joy... and tragedy. And don't forget technical books and biographies and how-to books.
Anyone who has ever read an antique cookbook knows how things have changed. Those things were short on pictures and LONG on words....
Life is so different now. We are so blessed with information at our fingertips. It's crazy, really. Crazy convenient! But what happens when the internet shuts off?
WHAT IF THE INTERNET DISAPPEARED????
What would you do? How would you handle it? How would you revert back to pre-connected-life?
As writers we'd have a whole new level of work to do, and one that doesn't take place in a living room... it takes place in a car or by plane or by phone call, research, research, research.
But readers would feel this too. We all would because internet access isn't a convenience anymore. It's a necessity! Because we've grown dependent on it.
So here's the question for you, darlings... and I have a copy of "The Lawman's Holiday Wish" and "The Christmas Kite" duo for you if you leave a comment....
and a copy of "A Cowboy Christmas" my duo with the amazing Linda Goodnight... if you leave a comment.
What would you miss the most if the Internet disappeared?
Coffee's on!
Multi-published, award-winning inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne is so blessed to be doing
exactly what she always dreamed of doing: Writing sweet books of women empowerment, romance, faith, hope and love... you can find her on facebook or follow her on Twitter or just hang out here in Seekerville or the Yankee Belle Cafe. She loves to chat with writers and readers!
This creates a problem for last minute gals like us because while we're good at so many things, if something goes wrong at the last minute...
A minute we were counting on to get a job done...
We're flummoxed.
Now I know you're thinking "Ruthy... this is a simple solution. Do stuff ahead of time."
And of course that's BRILLIANT!!!!! You guys are so smart!
But what happens to the best laid plans even when you're prepared?
That's what we're talking about today. Writers before the internet had a huge job/task to gather information. We're talking libraries... snail mail letters sent to experts, then waiting for the graciousness of a reply that might or might not come.
They had to hunt down bits and pieces of information. Tabulate and categorize them manually. By hand!!! And then keep it all straight as they wrote huge tomes about life... love... joy... and tragedy. And don't forget technical books and biographies and how-to books.
Anyone who has ever read an antique cookbook knows how things have changed. Those things were short on pictures and LONG on words....
Life is so different now. We are so blessed with information at our fingertips. It's crazy, really. Crazy convenient! But what happens when the internet shuts off?
WHAT IF THE INTERNET DISAPPEARED????
What would you do? How would you handle it? How would you revert back to pre-connected-life?
As writers we'd have a whole new level of work to do, and one that doesn't take place in a living room... it takes place in a car or by plane or by phone call, research, research, research.
But readers would feel this too. We all would because internet access isn't a convenience anymore. It's a necessity! Because we've grown dependent on it.
So here's the question for you, darlings... and I have a copy of "The Lawman's Holiday Wish" and "The Christmas Kite" duo for you if you leave a comment....
and a copy of "A Cowboy Christmas" my duo with the amazing Linda Goodnight... if you leave a comment.
What would you miss the most if the Internet disappeared?
Coffee's on!
Multi-published, award-winning inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne is so blessed to be doing
exactly what she always dreamed of doing: Writing sweet books of women empowerment, romance, faith, hope and love... you can find her on facebook or follow her on Twitter or just hang out here in Seekerville or the Yankee Belle Cafe. She loves to chat with writers and readers!November 2, 2018
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Open Critique Day! Always a fan favorite!! Even though Ruthy was in North Carolina and forgot to mention it.... Thank you Missy Tippens for jumping in and huge thanks to the brave souls who dared to share their work... believe us when we say that this is HUGELY IMPORTANT to handling editors, agents, rejections and reviews... You just can't please everyone, darlings!
Wednesday: Candee Fick talked about giving readers what they want. In addition to sharing her manuscript wishlist as a new romance editor , she also gave away an advance reader copy of A Picture Perfect Christmas to Sherrinda Ketchersid. Friday: Marilyn Leach joined us with tales of England as she researched her latest cozy mystery, All Hallows' Dead.
Monday: Mary Connealy is our hostess. Mary will be giving away a copy of her novella collection: Three Christmas Novellas.
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus will attempt to answer the age old question Where do I start (to write a book). Friday: There are times when readers must choose NOT to read. Beth will hold your hand and offer comfort for those tragic occasions (like weddings).
Our own Ruth Logan Herne will be at the Art of Writing Conference and The Christy Award Gala on November 7th at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.REGISTER HERE!
Tickets are still available and this looks to be an amazing day of learning, laughing and celebrating great Christian fiction. Ruthy is a finalist in the Short Form category with her beautiful story of a mother's sacrificial love in "Her Secret Daughter" , a February 2018 release from Love Inspired. She'd love to see you there!
And if you can't make it in person, join us in spirit and technology by hopping over to The Christy Awards facebook page on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 PM Central Time! Here's the link!
ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS--LIMITED TIME--Tried and True, book one of the Wild at Heart series.
Click to Buy
Erica Vetsch will be signing books at Christos BookCenter locate at: 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902 on November 10th. Come by if you're in the neighborhood!
https://www.facebook.com/ChristosBookcenter/
Check outDEBBY GIUSTI'S interview Monday onThe Suspense Zone. Book giveaway runs the month of November forAMISH CHRISTMAS SECRETS!http://www.thesuspensezone.com/debby-giusti-interview-6/ You'll also find Debby chatting on theChristian Fiction Readers Retreat Blog: https://christianfictionreadersretreat.blogspot.com/2018/10/candid-moments-with-cfrr-author-debby.html
The Sound of Distant Thunder is on sale!
Click here to buy from Barnes & NobleClick here to buy from Amazon
Ads Bidding for Authors: Strategy Guide + Bid Calculator by Carlyn Robertson at BookBub Partners.
Create the Villain Readers Love to Hate by Peter Andrews at Savvy Authors.
Upon Founder's Death, Reflecting on What Little Free Libraries Teach Us About Humanity by Carey Goldberg at WBUR.org. (Thank you to Missy's sister for sharing this link.)
How Successful Authors Use Social Media: 23 Content Ideas by Diana Urban at BookBub Partners.
Self-Publishing 3.0 and How To Build Success As An Indie Author with Orna Ross by Joanna Penn at The Creative Penn
Writing When Life Is More Trick Than Treat by Christina Delay at Writers In The Storm
The 7 Deadly Sins of Editors (According To Novelists) by Steven James and Pam Johns at The Writer's Digest
Five Things Editors Wish Creative Writers Knew by Hannah Bauman at Between The Lines Editorial
November 1, 2018
Writing a Saints Day Mystery
guest, Marilyn Leach
Someone asked me where on earth I got the idea to write an All Saints Day mystery. My question in return was, “After visiting the North of England, how could you not write a Saints Day mystery?” England’s North Country is steeped in abbey ruins, wild winds, and brooding history. Venerable churches, stately homes, lively villages, and the North Sea all set the stage for activating creative thought. It invites storytelling.
Entrance to the crypt for ancient Celtic pilgrim of faith, Cedd, in the village church at Lastingham, England
When I visited the little village church in Lastingham, England, I was awestruck when entering the crypt of Celtic churchman, St. Cedd. The setting was truly medieval and the atmosphere hallowed. An historical account has been established of how Cedd and his brother, after ordination in the seventh century, traveled from Holy Island in the North Sea to this very spot. They established a religious community, and the church that sits atop the crypt is still very active and central to the village goings-on. It isn’t just a building. Centuries of people’s daily lives, hopes, fears, prayers, and faith live within the stones of this ancient monument. And what stories could the stones tell? I was inspired. Although All Hallows Dead is a modern day whodunit, its roots are in England’s rich history.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Of course, the fact that my Berdie Elliott mystery series is set in England, and my main character is a vicar’s wife gifted with extraordinary sleuthing abilities, adds to the interest of writing a Saints Day theme. With four other books about her exploits already on the shelf, here’s a bit about the story line for All Hallows Dead.
When Berdie Elliott, vicar’s wife and sleuth extraordinaire, attends a church course with her husband in the North of England, she bumps into her former newspaper boss who calls upon her to investigate beguiling circumstances that spell murder. From the landed Cavendish family to the local pub’s manager, Criswell Abbey and its village are steeped in a centuries-old mystery. The legend of a departed churchman, a mysterious bell tower, England’s tangled history, a delayed marriage proposal, and a wily parrot all help Berdie to declare the truth in All Hallows Dead.
Buy Amazon
Just for a tickle, here’s an excerptBerdie Elliott and her best friend, Lillie Foxworth, often find themselves in hot water, and they’re not brewing tea.
What I found is absolutely priceless. There’s….” Berdie stopped when she became aware of clip-clop steps in the nave. “Shh.” She put her index finger to her lips.“Why shush?” Lillie didn’t make her voice particularly quiet.Berdie raised her brows and pointed toward the nave. “Someone’s about the place,” she whispered. “We can’t let on that we’re in here…”The steps outside became louder. They were advancing toward the tower.Lord have mercy.There was a hesitation.Berdie held her breath. She realized instantly that whoever was on the other side of the door, was perhaps one who knew all the secrets of this place which could mean she and Lillie were in very real danger.
Reading All Hallows Dead isn’t complete until you can snuggle into a comfy chair with a steaming cup of tea. It’s a cozy mystery that’s just right for short autumn days and long blustery nights. Cheers
To find out more about Marilyn, see snaps of England, or view other books she’s writtenwww.marilynleachteaandbooks.comwww. amazon.com/author/marilynleach
To purchase an ebookamazon.com
At the age of nine, Marilyn wrote her first play with a childhood neighbor, “The Ghost and Mr. Giltwallet”. It was a mystery. And she’s been writing in one form or another, hobby or livelihood, since. As well as teaching art, she’s had the opportunity to co-author several plays that have been performed on both church and secular stages, as well as two screenplays. Marilyn has had the good fortune of “discovering her roots” while visiting England where she developed lasting relationships with wonderful people there. It has greatly impacted her writing. A keen fan of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and David Cook’s Hetty Wainthropp series, Marilyn was inspired to write her Berdie Elliott Mystery series. It takes place in a small English village where the vicar’s wife, Berdie Elliott, is the divine sleuth. Marilyn lives lakeside in a cottage on the outskirts of Denver near the foothills.
www.amazon.marilynleach marilynleachteaandbooks.com pelicanbookgroup.com
Someone asked me where on earth I got the idea to write an All Saints Day mystery. My question in return was, “After visiting the North of England, how could you not write a Saints Day mystery?” England’s North Country is steeped in abbey ruins, wild winds, and brooding history. Venerable churches, stately homes, lively villages, and the North Sea all set the stage for activating creative thought. It invites storytelling.
Entrance to the crypt for ancient Celtic pilgrim of faith, Cedd, in the village church at Lastingham, EnglandWhen I visited the little village church in Lastingham, England, I was awestruck when entering the crypt of Celtic churchman, St. Cedd. The setting was truly medieval and the atmosphere hallowed. An historical account has been established of how Cedd and his brother, after ordination in the seventh century, traveled from Holy Island in the North Sea to this very spot. They established a religious community, and the church that sits atop the crypt is still very active and central to the village goings-on. It isn’t just a building. Centuries of people’s daily lives, hopes, fears, prayers, and faith live within the stones of this ancient monument. And what stories could the stones tell? I was inspired. Although All Hallows Dead is a modern day whodunit, its roots are in England’s rich history.
Dunstanburgh CastleOf course, the fact that my Berdie Elliott mystery series is set in England, and my main character is a vicar’s wife gifted with extraordinary sleuthing abilities, adds to the interest of writing a Saints Day theme. With four other books about her exploits already on the shelf, here’s a bit about the story line for All Hallows Dead.
When Berdie Elliott, vicar’s wife and sleuth extraordinaire, attends a church course with her husband in the North of England, she bumps into her former newspaper boss who calls upon her to investigate beguiling circumstances that spell murder. From the landed Cavendish family to the local pub’s manager, Criswell Abbey and its village are steeped in a centuries-old mystery. The legend of a departed churchman, a mysterious bell tower, England’s tangled history, a delayed marriage proposal, and a wily parrot all help Berdie to declare the truth in All Hallows Dead.
Buy Amazon
Just for a tickle, here’s an excerptBerdie Elliott and her best friend, Lillie Foxworth, often find themselves in hot water, and they’re not brewing tea.
What I found is absolutely priceless. There’s….” Berdie stopped when she became aware of clip-clop steps in the nave. “Shh.” She put her index finger to her lips.“Why shush?” Lillie didn’t make her voice particularly quiet.Berdie raised her brows and pointed toward the nave. “Someone’s about the place,” she whispered. “We can’t let on that we’re in here…”The steps outside became louder. They were advancing toward the tower.Lord have mercy.There was a hesitation.Berdie held her breath. She realized instantly that whoever was on the other side of the door, was perhaps one who knew all the secrets of this place which could mean she and Lillie were in very real danger.
Reading All Hallows Dead isn’t complete until you can snuggle into a comfy chair with a steaming cup of tea. It’s a cozy mystery that’s just right for short autumn days and long blustery nights. Cheers
To find out more about Marilyn, see snaps of England, or view other books she’s writtenwww.marilynleachteaandbooks.comwww. amazon.com/author/marilynleach
To purchase an ebookamazon.com
At the age of nine, Marilyn wrote her first play with a childhood neighbor, “The Ghost and Mr. Giltwallet”. It was a mystery. And she’s been writing in one form or another, hobby or livelihood, since. As well as teaching art, she’s had the opportunity to co-author several plays that have been performed on both church and secular stages, as well as two screenplays. Marilyn has had the good fortune of “discovering her roots” while visiting England where she developed lasting relationships with wonderful people there. It has greatly impacted her writing. A keen fan of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and David Cook’s Hetty Wainthropp series, Marilyn was inspired to write her Berdie Elliott Mystery series. It takes place in a small English village where the vicar’s wife, Berdie Elliott, is the divine sleuth. Marilyn lives lakeside in a cottage on the outskirts of Denver near the foothills.www.amazon.marilynleach marilynleachteaandbooks.com pelicanbookgroup.com
