Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 18
November 14, 2022
The Drink that Inspires
Some days I need coffee more than others. Do you? Especially heading into the holiday season, it feels like chaos notches up and I'm spinning in a circle while juggling too many pies and bowls of stuffing.(Also, can you believe this picture was taken last week in Wisconsin? Unseasonably warm!)
If you haven't noticed, there's something synonymous with writers and their favorite drinks. I have writerly friends who can barely write a word without coffee (including me), and then others who are distinctly loyal to tea, (insert Erica Vetsch here), and others who are prone to grab a Dr. Pepper for inspiration.
I think liquid is an author's security blanket. I was pondering this the other day, and determined that we need something tangible to help our body and brain connect into the, "it's okay to sit down and go into your imaginary world" moment. Otherwise, I tend to see a list of unending tasks that need to get done and even on deadline, feel guilty that I'm immersed in story and not real life. Pour me a cup of coffee and then ... ahhhhh...my sweet liquid muse. My happy in a cup.
Do you have a special drink that inspires your day or your creativity? What are your thoughts on my whole theory that liquids are a writer's security blanket?
Jaime Jo Wright is the author of nine novels, including Christy Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Christy Award Finalist Echoes Among the Stones. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Along with her writing, Jaime also manages MadLit Mentoring & Assist which offers mentorships workshops and quarterly group mentoring to aspiring and established authors, as well provides assistant services to established authors who don't share Jaime's love of all things social media and marketing. You can find out more about Jaime at jaimewrightbooks.com or madlitmentoring.com.
https://linktr.ee/jaimejowright
November 12, 2022
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
The Dome of the Rock located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.
[Photo by D. Giusti, 2017}
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
Luke 21:5-19
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.
Together, let's pray we can, once again, become a unified nation. Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support!
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.
November 11, 2022
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. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)
Monday: Mary
Tuesday: Dana
Wednesday: Ruthy kind of hung out for days but because she hogged SEEKERVILLE, she's sending Connie Porter Saunders and Karen McGuire each a free book.... gals, let me know if you want Kindle or paperback, and thank you for your kind words! And congratulations!!!
Monday: Jaime
Tuesday: Pepper
Wednesday: Debby Giusti is hosting Bestselling Author of Amish Stories Tracy Fredrychowski who will be talking about "The Smell of Amish Sweets at Christmas" with the free giveaway of her Christmas novella, An Amish Christmas Worth Waiting For. B e sure to stop by to chat with Tracy and also to download this delightful Christmas story.
Thursday: Winnie will discuss a new project she's working on.
Coming November 29th...
Book two in award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? Preorder your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target
THANKS, DEAR FRIENDS! BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT, IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS HAS BEEN ON THE PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER LIST FOR TWO WEEKS IN A ROW! I'M SO GRATEFUL!
IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS
By Debby Giusti
An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.
When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.
Order HERE!
Debby Giusti was on Tracy Fredrychowski's Podcast
BUGGY TALK, Episode #65.
Click the link below to listen to the interview!
https://tracyfredrychowski.com/podcast/debby-giusti-in-a-snipers-crosshairs/
AND RUTHY IS STILL WAXING ON ABOUT "RECLAIMING HOPE IN WISHING BRIDGE"!!!
It is still such a blessing to have new books come out... to hit the shelves running... to chat with folks about new characters, new ideas, new story lines!
Ruthy wants all o' youse to know that she is truly blessed by the talent (given by God) and the amazing readers... also given by God! Here's the link for this newest beautiful Wishing Bridge story:
Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne
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Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
The Art of Story Structure at Write To Done
What are You Doing with the Words God Gives You? by Julie Lavender at The Write Conversation
Common Writing Obstacles: TIME by Henry McLaughlin at ACFW blog
Bringing Setting to Life Through Your Characters' Emotions by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
The Dilemma of Narrative Distance by Donald Maass at Writer UnBoxed
Writing Habits and Accountability by Kristina Adams at Writers Cookbook
How to Free Yourself from Endless Revision by Audrey Kalman at Jane Friedman
You Might Not Like My Edits by Tamela Hancock Murray at Steve Laube agency
Your Story Skeleton, Part 1 by Lisa Jordan at Learn How To Write A Novel
5 Fresh Ways to Interact with Your Readers by Claire Bradshaw at Writer's Edit
November 8, 2022
Sinking into Wishing Bridge
My buddy Vince Mooney labeled my writing as "Romance Realism" and I loved him for it.
He was right. Besides being a good friend and ardent reader, Vince had a way of sensing what an author was all about, where we were going and he often told me that he kept a box of tissues at hand when he read one of my books for the first time. Not because he always cried...
But he knew there would be opportunity to weep and he wanted to be ready.
He was a good man and a good friend.
He would love "Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge".
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He would love it for the same reasons he loved my first contracted book "Winter's End". Because it's real... and because between me and God we waited just the right length of time for me to tell the story.
Ideas come and go in this biz.
I keep them in my head. Sometimes for years. I keep them in my head until I know that the time has come and then the story spills out from multiple thoughts/sources/perspectives. The first grain for this set-up was a very thinly done book I read years ago about a dreadful storm.
I wasn't impressed because the human cost of the storm was minimized.
Human cost should always be handled with grace but it should never be minimized.
So that was the first nudge. Nudge #2 came with the growing chronic problems in American schools.
A few are good.
Most are below par. They shade it so you don't see it unless you delve into national statistics, but it's there. It's simply not discussed.
Some are dreadful.
So in my head I wondered why? Why are people putting up with that? Why do we suddenly think that okay is good enough????
And the third thing was that I'm surrounded by young families and their friends and friends of friends.
Divorce... death... remarriage. Step-parents. Some good. Some awful.
So as I was putting together Heather's profile in my head, I knew she was displaced as a child. Put aside, a beautiful little girl, because her daddy remarried a woman whose neurosis blossomed when her own child was born.
One blonde.
One dark.
One petite.
One bigger. Stronger. More robust.
One fragile as a baby.
The other was never fragile. She was big, strong and smart with big brown eyes and gloriously thick brown hair.
And because she wasn't "her" child, because she was bigger, stronger, more robust, she was set aside in favor of the woman's own child. Her flesh. Her blood. Her single opus of achievement while Heather grew up in a shadow of loss and self-reliance.
It's hard when a parent chooses love or sex or marriage over a child's needs. It's a heinous blow to the child's self-esteem, but I didn't want Heather to ever be a victim... she was an overcomer and that became her strength and also her weakness.
And that's what makes this story "romance realism" because we're all a blend of the pros and cons that help shape us but we're also an amazing compilation of genetics that give us strength and talent and focus... so using those combinations, I was able to draw Heather Johnstone the way I wanted to.
Strong. Resilient. Focused. And tough but with such a love for children, for her students that you know she took those early rejections and turned them into something wonderful.
Some stories come to me overnight.
Some stories are years in the making.
Both are wonderful ways of doing this thing I love... this thing called writing. Storytelling.
Authors are blessed to live in a "best of both worlds" environment right now. We have traditional publishing and indie publishing and there is a lot to be said for both sides of the aisle but for this story I was glad to be on the independent side of the fence because human tragedy does happen.
It's how the survivors, those remaining handle it that helps shape the future.
And that's a story worth telling.
Leave a comment below to open the conversation... about school, about books, about romance, about writing... Ruthy has a copy of this newest 5 Star book to be given away to one lucky commenter... and she's so glad to be here with you today!
USA TODAY Bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne has over 70 novels and novellas to her credit including over thirty Love Inspired books, dozens of independent works and a body of work with Harper Collins, Penguin Random House (Multnomah), Guideposts and several others. She is living her dream as she manages a very busy and crazy fun pumpkin farm in Western New York with her husband Dave and a slew of family and friends to keep things going. You can friend her on Facebook, check out her website ruthloganherne.com and email her at loganherne@gmail.com where she does, in fact, personally answer emails.
The Joy of a Series
After I finished this series, I quickly moved on to read Anne of Green Gables and all the subsequent books.
Then the Boxcar Children, and the books by David Eddings and Raymond E. Feist. I was hooked. When I discovered that romance series existed, I was thrilled. As a reader and as a writer. I knew what I wanted to write. To this day, I still love a great series. I especially love series that are connected by family members or those that follow the a single character through multiple books. What about you? What do you enjoy reading? Series or stand alone books? One commenter will receive an early copy of Her Secret Amish Past, due in stores January 24th, 2023.
Stolen from the Amish… with no memory of her past. When her mother is shot as they flee an unknown threat, Josslyn Graham discovers her entire life is a lie. Not only is she adopted but she's the target of armed assailants—and she doesn’t know why. With an old doll the only clue to her true identity, Joss needs Sergeant Steve Beck’s help to find the truth…before a deadly criminal ring buries the remaining evidence: her.
Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at www.danarlynn.com.
November 6, 2022
Something to be Thankful For
THANKSGIVING
That sweet, turkey-obsessed holiday lost between Halloween and Christmas.
A couple of years ago I found out about a group of authors who decided Thanksgiving deserves better than it's gotten.
They started an annual series of novellas called Thanksgiving Books and Blessings.
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They'd released these collections, historical romances who's only connection is Thanksgiving, multiple times and two years ago they invited me in. I wrote a Thanksgiving book!!!
Well, it released back then, but just recently the group decided it was time for a SALE. All those older collections, not just my year, went on sale for 99 cents. I think it was limited time only, but mine is still on sale. So don't let the Black Friday in October stop you.
Buy on Kindle for 99 cents
And, I realized, when I went to try and figure out how exactly to put a book on sale, that I had never released it as a print book. I just thought a novella was maybe too short?
Anyway when I looked at it, that no longer stopped me, so it's in print.
Buy a Print Edition for $4.58
Anyway, my novella, Thankful for the Cowboy is now on sale and also available as a print book for the lowest price I could swing.
Thankful for the Cowboy
Tom MacKinnon rides up driving a wagon with a second wagon trailing him. He and his sister build windmills. They’ll ask for very little money and, in exchange heroine, Lauren Drummond, newly widowed mother of four nearly grown sons, will help them learn to survive in the Sandhills of Nebraska. What to grow, what to hunt, how to build a sod house.
Tom’s windmills will save her ranch. Lauren needs three windmills on this drought year or her growing herd of cattle is going to die of thirst. She eagerly agrees to teach him the ways of the Sandhills. She’s not ready to think of another man. But Tom changes her mind. His little sister and one of her sons find love together before Tom and Lauren do.
Give yourself the gift of focusing on Thanksgiving.
Buy Thankful for the Cowboy
November 5, 2022
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
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The Pharisees and the Sadducees Come to Tempt Jesus, James Tissot
Brooklyn Museum, 1886-1894 [PD-US]
Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
"Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her."
Jesus said to them,
"The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called out 'Lord, '
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive."
Luke 20:27-38
Please join us in praying for a fair election!
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.
Together, let's pray we can, once again, become a unified nation. Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support!
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.
November 4, 2022
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. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)
Monday: Blue Moon Monday featured Jan Drexler as she asked a very timely question, "When our heads and hearts become filled with the things of this world, what will overflow into our writing?"
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus gave us some tips for Keeping Your Head Above Water in your writing life.
Thursday: Audra Harders offered advice on fitness for your writing muscles. Terri Lynn Schump will be receiving a treat for Thanksgiving!
Friday: Hannah Linder stopped by to celebrate her debut novel and tell us the "WHY" behind her writing.
Monday: Mary Connealy is our hostess. And she has something to be Thankful for!!!
Tuesday: Dana Lynn is our hostess
Wednesday: Ruth Logan Herne is happy to be back in non-pumpkin civilization but she had the Best Pumpkin Season Ever so she's happy about that, too! Come visit with Ruthy on Wednesday when she talks about her very popular newest release "Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge"... and how this particular story was a few years in the making, until God's timing aligned with Ruthy's... Oh, that God! Ruthy's giving away your choice of a paperback or kindle version of this latest Wishing Bridge story!
It's release month for Pepper Basham's novel, Authentically, Izzy. If you'd like to get an introduction to it, here is a cute video about it. The book is available on November 15th!
Coming November 29th...
Book two in award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? Preorder your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target
ON SALE NOW!
IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS
By Debby Giusti
An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.
When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.
Order HERE!
Debby Giusti was on Tracy Fredrychowski's Podcast
BUGGY TALK, Episode #65.
Click the link below to listen to the interview!
https://tracyfredrychowski.com/podcast/debby-giusti-in-a-snipers-crosshairs/
And Ruthy is celebrating the release of "Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge"!
So much to celebrate in Seekerville!!!
#trulyblessed
#truth
#grace
#Thanksgiving
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Bestselling, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne welcomes you back to Wishing Bridge... where wishes and prayers mingle to make dreams come true!
Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
Think You Don't Need a Developmental Editor? Oh Yes, You Do! by Jenn Windrow at Writers In The Storm
How the Setting Raises Tension in Your Novel by Janice Hardy at Fiction University
Decision Making for Authors by Daniel Parsons at Self Publishing Formula
Solving the JonBenet Murder by Garry Rodgers at Kill Zone blog (Warning! Graphic content portraying violence.)
Tips and Tools for Creating Unique Character Voices by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
Business Plans for Freelance Writers by Sarah Rexford at The Write Life
Well-Storied is Retiring by Kristen Kieffer - visit the site and read through this amazing collection of posts for writers before the site disappears January 2023
The Benefits of Going Bold (and Putting Fear Behind You) by Kathy Harris at ACFW blog
How Active are the Settings You Write? by Peggy Sue Wells at The Write Conversation
6 Ways to Jumpstart Your Writing Day by Patricia Bradley at Learn How To Write A Novel
November 3, 2022
Guest Post with Debut Novelist Hannah Linder
The “Why” Behind my Dream
By Hannah Linder
As I sit here writing this post, five days away from watching my dream come true, I can’t help reflecting on everything. For eleven years straight, why has this been so important to me? Why have I devoted my heart, prayers, and time to pursuing a writing career?
I could say the reason is because my heart flutters at holding my own book in my hand. To tell you the truth, it does. I don’t know any greater thrill than prying open the cardboard box, reaching inside, and gliding my fingers across the cover of my book.
But that’s not the reason I write.
I could say the reason is for readers. How dear and special it is to know that through the magic of text on paper, I can transport worlds I’ve imagined into someone else’s head. That’s a beautiful, exciting realization. Within itself, it would be worth all the striving and dreaming.
But that’s not the reason I write.
Perhaps the reason comes from the fascination of seeing my story on a bookshelf. Or the delight of signing my name on the title page and handing it to a reader. Or the stimulating thought that I’m accomplishing something with every “The End” I type on a manuscript.
But those aren’t the reasons either.
I guess there’s only one reason I keep writing. The same reason why, at twelve years old, you’d find me typing away at the computer instead of playing outside with the other kids. I had stories in my brain. I wanted to tell them. I still want to tell them.
Because you see, it’s not the printed books I write for, nor the readership following, nor the excitement of launches and signings. I write because I need to write. Because all the stories march and stir in my head, begging to be set free on paper, longing to be lived. I’m in love with my characters. I’m in love with settings I create. I’m in love with stealing away from reality, into emotions and time eras and situations I form from nothing—and that is why I write. That’s what makes this book release so special to me, and that’s what will sustain me through any highs and lows ahead.
Just three days ago, that dream came true. Beneath His Silence has released into the world, and I get to share a piece of my heart and passion with all of you.
But even if that novel were still a stack of printed copy paper, tucked away on a shelf and collecting dust, I would still be penning more books. For you see, more than anything, I love to write.
That’s the “why” behind my dream.
About the Author
Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.
Links
Purchase Beneath His Silence: AMAZON CHRISTIANBOOK B&N
Website: https://hannahlinderbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahlinderbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlinderbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22462033.Hannah_Linder
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hannah-linder
November 2, 2022
Rejuvenating Your Writing Chops
Hi Everyone, Audra here.
I heard an interesting analogy on the radio as I was driving to my monthly writers' meeting. The piece started with, “Would you serve prime rib to an infant?” it continued with “if you’re learning to swim, would you compare yourself to Michael Phelps?” There were other comparisons along the way, but you get the picture. Most logical people would smile and shake their heads with an enthusiastic, "Of Course Not!"
Children must grow and nourish their bodies through development phases until the brain and taste buds can appreciate the food placed before them. The novice swimmer must “pay their dues” in the water swimming laps, developing muscle control, perfecting strokes, and a multitude of other fitness exercises.
Photo by Benjamin Wong on UnsplashBut such is not always the case where writers are concerned.
As writers, we’re intelligent people, right? So why do we compare our accomplishments as writers to others? Is it because we all know how to speak English? Is it because we've taken composition all through school? Is it because of our love of creative writing? Because we're avid readers?
We, authors, are very delicate creations. Our psyches are fragile, all in tune with the passionate stories that play in the fertile fields of our minds. When I say passionate, I’m not talking romantic, even though romantic fiction is my thing. I’m alluding to the creative gift God has placed in our hearts. Those stories that are so real to us that we have to write them.
Photo by engin akyurt on UnsplashI could go down the path of emotional attachment to our storylines, characters and words, but that’s not what this post is about.
I want to focus on the muscle development of our brains. The skills honed through repeated practice and revision. The unfolding of our talents as we work hard at our craft.
As the only child of immigrant parents, I was often left to my own devices as my parents worked long days to get ahead in their new country. My dad read Bible stories to me every Sunday afternoon and my love of reading was born. Stories equaled adventure! All through school I gravitated toward creative writing, pouring my emotions onto the page and into my characters’ lives.
My high school creative writing teacher labeled me "sappy." Though probably meant as an insult, I embraced it. I loved romance even back then!
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on UnsplashAfter I married and our children arrived, I became a stay-at-home mom. I tried my hand at writing a romance novel.
18 years later, my first novel was published.
Before a second book could be published, I returned to the world of day job.
16 years later, I’m returning to my first love - writing.
That’s 34 years of story scribbles, yucky writing, writing workshops, writing organizations, multiple typewriters and computers, rejections, rewrites …
All that angst spent becoming an author remained in brain, but with disuse, the term sagging middle applied to everything about me, including the body of my stories! I’m rebuilding my writing muscles by writing something everyday.
My lyrical story-telling skills are slowly returning after years of writing administrative narrative.
My confidence in writing active scenes is building with every to-be verb I identify and replace.
Writing fiction is hard work. It requires mental stamina and digging deep into your well for that personal/emotional touch only you can give your story.
DEDICATION TO MY DREAM
As an author, you never stop learning about your craft. At the ACFW conference this year, I continued to gain insight into what makes an author.
The authors I talked to all said they have a set a schedule for writing. They treat it as a business. There is a goal they reach every day ranging from 500-1000 new words a day, or completing a scene, or revisions, etc. At least 5 days a week. Every week.
That dedication builds those creative muscles, lubricates the skill joints, keeps the inspiration and creative juices flowing.
Adobe stock licensed Hmmm, seems we've circled back to Prime Rib, LOL!
We’ve got to work for our success. We’ve got to be dedicated writing-gym members who set aside time to keep our writing brains alert and in shape just as much as our bodies.
I’ve always been opposed to the theory of “butt-in-chair-every-day” even if you don’t feel the love. I’ve discovered, it’s not so much about the feeling the love in the story I’m working on, but rather, keeping the rhythm and practice in place each day.
In my writing group this month, we talked about morning pages. You’ve heard of them, right? Sit down every day and scribble away in a notebook for however many minutes or pages you subscribe to. The thought of writing for just dumping words out of your brain never appealed to me. I avoided it like the plague.
BUT, as one clever friend in our group offered, how about revamping the morning pages routine to help you with an area of your book where you are stuck?
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashThat next day, I opened a notebook and wrote down a problem area which happened to be historical nouns describing a character with a love of plants. My goal was to fill up a page with descriptive words and actions and phrases that I could turn to when I might be stuck in a scene with this character.
“Morning pages” suddenly took on a whole new meaning and offered a challenge with a tangible reward.
This is all part of your work out. Your muscle building. Your skill-building, talent-digging, prose-loving conditioning you need to succeed.
And when you’ve completed your task, reward yourself with prime rib...or a swim.
How about you? What keeps your internal writing machine honed? Leave a comment for a random drawing of a sweet little Thanksgiving gift.
