Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 25

Job #1: They Got Books

by Pam Hillman

I participated in a book fair this past weekend, and a good time was had by all. I hope to share more next month about my experience at A Page Away Book Fair, hopefully with thoughts from some of the other vendors who participated.

But there is one small snippet that fits today’s topic. Wifi and phone service in the venue was practically non-existent. So it was either cash, check, or accept credit/debit card payments offline and hope the payments went through later.

I chose to accept payments offline and took a few like that and they went through later when I was able to get reception. I took a chance, but I went in with my eyes wide open. If the cards were declined, I was prepared to just pray the books blessed the recipients.

It was a situation of THEY GOT BOOKS. I GOT MONEY. (I hoped.)

But where am I going with this? Let me back up for a minute.

The idea for this blog post came from setting up the software for the ACFW Bookstore to be held onsite at the ACFW Conference in St. Louis like IMMEDIATELY! (Seriously, it’s September 8-11th).

As most of you are aware, I’m the ACFW Treasurer. This year when the bookstore ACFW partners with couldn’t make it due to other commitments, ACFW decided to go ahead with the bookstore anyway. I was slightly familiar with some software that caters exclusively to consignment sales, so started the learning curve for that software months ago.

My training for the bookstore staff has been intensive and one step at a time. The main thing in my view is to get to the point of scanning and selling books during the online book sale which spans a three-day weekend. It is imperative that the bookstore get that part RIGHT, making it seamless and a perfect experience for our customers.

In other words, THEY GET BOOKS. WE GET MONEY. (We hope.)

Everything that happens after that… reconciling remaining inventory, paying consignors, paying sales tax, etc. will come all in good time.

Going even farther BACK in time... Where did this “They Got Books…” mantra come from?

A LONG time ago, I was a fresh-faced kid out of college and working my new job at a furnace/heater manufacturer, a company I worked at for 28 years. It was small family run business that was just getting started and they were still preparing invoices by hand. Computer generated inventory, invoices, and bookkeeping was in the infant stages, but with a computer science degree under my belt, my dream was to take the company into the computer-driven age. (Which did happen eventually, btw.)

But when I started, everything was done by hand. Remember I said SMALL company, as in ONE other lady in the office. Her name was Yvette, and she became my mentor for many years. Not long after I started work, during the busiest season of the company, Yvette’s husband suddenly became very ill and had to be hospitalized. There was nothing for it but for her to go be by his side. I can’t remember how long she was out of the office, a few days, a week or so. Not more than that. Thankfully, her husband recovered and all was well on that front.

When she returned to the office and anxiously asked how things went, I plopped two stacks in front of her.

A stack of handwritten invoices.

A stack of deposit slips.

Then I said, “They got heaters and I got money. That’s all I know.”

(Anybody who knows me knows I got the money! lol)

But the thing is, I was pretty much telling the truth! I hadn’t been there long enough to be 100% sure that I had charged the customers for the right widget, gadget, or gidget. And since this was before the time of computers and you-can’t-mess-this-up item numbers where the customer could turn in a list (with the aforementioned you-can’t-mess-this-up item numbers) of what he wanted or the parts guy (there was no department… there was a guy named Jim) could give me a specific item number, sometimes I was left guessing.

But I knew our customers got what they wanted (always Job #1), and they gave me checks, which I promptly deposited in the bank (always Job #2). The rest would fall into place, and if it didn’t, we could figure it out and fix it later. Most of the sales I made were to distributors and dealers for the company so I was confident that any minor errors I made in invoicing could be corrected later. But some of them had driven hundreds of miles to pick up full truck loads of heaters and parts to take back to IL, TN, KY, ME (wherever) as winter approached. Job #1 (give the customer what he wants) had to be done, no matter what.

With the ACFW Bookstore, the Storyfest readers will get the books they love, and that’s Job #1. A happy customer is a repeat customer. The consignors will receive payment for their books they brought on consignment. (That’s Job #2). Everything else will fall into place, with good planning and a healthy dose of prayer.

So what does this have to do with Seekerville? With writing? With reading? With life?

Sometimes you have a hill to climb. You know where the peak is. You have to know what JOB #1 is. In writing, that might be your deadline. Or it might be writing THE END (as the deadline goes swooshing by). With marketing, it might be getting your next newsletter out or writing you Seekerville blog on time. (Ahem.) There are multiple answers to this question, depending on how big or small your project is.

In my “other” life as a grandmother, Job #1 might be to be at my son and DIL’s house no later than 7:30 am on my days to keep their kids so that they can be out the door on time for work and to get the oldest to school on time. Nothing short of the stomach bug or the flu will interfere with THAT Job #1. Trust me!

There are millions of Job #1’s in our lives. Some are as simple as Be There at Seven! Some are much more complicated and involve many moving parts … as I’m finding with learning new software and training others … remotely, even!

So, for whatever project or life event you’re working on, whether it be short-term or long-term, find the Job #1 for that and work toward it with a vengeance, and everything else will fall into place.

What’s your Job #1 for today? Or even for a bigger project that’s looming?

Writing Sprints aka Words with Friends

 How do you write?

This  past July, I participated in a virtual writer's retreat organized by a friend. Some participants were writers I know; others were new to me. The format was simple - we met in a zoom room, chatted some, then sprinted. The room stayed open and people could come and go all day as they chose. 

One day some of us got to chatting, and Lee Tobin McClain mentioned a method of sprinting that she was using quite successfully. We decided to try it.

The idea is you start writing for 20 minutes. Then a quick stretch break. Then you sprint for 15 minutes, take a break. Then 10 minutes. The final session is 5 minutes. Usually you don't bother to take a break between the last two.

My friends, that method has been life-changing for me. After the retreat was over, I mentioned to a friend that I was sorry to lose the sprints. We decided to keep them up with a few other friends. So each morning for the past three weeks, we have met at 9am - either in Zoom or a FB room, and done the sprints.

In that time, I have written 50,398 words!

To understand how impressive that total is, you'd have to know I probably only managed 5,000 between January and July. I'm not bragging here. I'm amazed and oh so grateful for a chance encounter that was a game-changer.

So why do I think this works?  It's the power of a timer, accountability, routine, and friendship.

1) The power of the timer - A few months ago Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author, Pamela Kelly posted on FB about a cool timer that was making a huge difference in her writing. I went right to Amazon and bought one.
It didn't help me. Something was missing.
2) That something was accountability! I never thought I would be able to write with other people staring at me through my computer screen. But you know what? It's tremendously motivating. All those normal urges I have to just check FB, to go get a glass of water (or a scone or a muffin), to go do the laundry - it's harder to give in to them when someone is watching.J/K sort of  - No one is really watching because they are too busy writing their own words, but the idea that they might be, along with the sight of them concentrating and typing away, keeps your fingers on the keyboard.
3) Routine is key. Knowing I have to sit down at the computer and turn Zoom on at 9 makes it sort of like a power switch that goes on in the brain. 9am. It's time to get to work.
4) Friendship makes it fun. We all know that writing is solitary and lonely, but this changes that feeling. You can take a few minutes to chat in the beginning, chat a bit on the stretches - but you're also there to remind each other that it's time to get back to work. That's also the power of the group, because I have found that on days when for one reason or another, it's only two of us, the chatting lasts much longer.

BONUS:  The other reason why I think this works is because you're getting your longest session out of the way first. As your energy is waning, the sprints are getting shorter. It's easier to power through.We usually take a longer break and then come back for a second session. 

I've done lots of group sprinting before: 1-1 sessions with friends, #1k1hr, Twitter groups - none of those have worked for me like this has. 



What kinds of sprints or accountability have you tried? Or are you good on your own? I'd love to hear what works for you.






Both Debby and Missy have written at Seekerville before about the Pomodoro Tecnhique. 

 

The Cowgirl's Redemption Launch Party

Today marks the release of not only a new book, but the first book in a new series. The Cowgirl's Redemption is our first visit to the tiny rural Texas community of Hope Crossing and introduces us to many of its residents. So, grab yourself a cupcake and some chocolate while I tell you a little bit about this story.

The Cowgirl's Redemption  revolves around the homecoming of Gloriana Prescott, a prodigal daughter and former bad girl whose life is being transformed by her new-found faith. Yet while she longs to prove she's changed, those she's hurt aren't necessarily willing to give her a second chance.
I don't know about you, but I can relate to those people. I recently found myself in a situation where I was confronted with someone who'd once caused me a lot of grief. And, of course, I still thought of that person as the same one I'd once known, instead of who they were today. Yet as we talked, God let me see that person through a different lens. One that allowed me to show them some grace.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? 
This story has it all. A spunky yet tender-hearted heroine, a fun-loving teen who's into barrel racing, a wounded rancher hero, a long-held secret and even a rodeo! Not to mention glimpses of characters whose stories are yet to come.
In honor of this special day, I'm giving away THREE copies of The Cowgirl's Redemption (US mailing addresses only, please). Simply leave a comment to be entered. And don't forget to check the Weekend Edition on Saturday to see if you're a winner.
Here's the back cover copy:

She came home to make things right. Will she be given a second chance?

Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy? 

And if you'd like to read the first chapter, you can do that here.

Oh, and let's not forget about the book trailer. 

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com

My Go To Writing Books

 Erica here:

I judge in a few writing contests each year, and one thing I like to do quite often is recommend a particular 'how-to' book on writing to address a particular issue in an entry. 

Years ago, when I first started writing, I tried every instruction book on writing I could find. Did you know there are HUNDREDS of books on how to write a book out there today? 

I started in my local library, then took recommendations from the writing community, then tried the books written by those I had taken classes from at conferences. My shelves were bursting with books on how to write books.

But in reality, not every writing book will work for every writer. We all learn differently, we all have different strengths and weaknesses in our writing, and we are all writing different things. While I might pick up a few tips for my fiction writing by reading how to write a memoir, it's probably not as helpful as reading a book on how to write historical mysteries, in my case.

Over the years, I've distilled my recommendations down to three main books, and I'd like to share those with you. If you've never read a book on how to write a novel, these three would be a good place to start. If you're buried under how to write a novel books and you're not actually writing the novel because you are still discovering your process, trying to learn enough to make it perfect as it falls out of your head, or just procrastinating doing the hard work of actually writing the story, then hopefully my list will help you see how to pare down your pile to a few that will actually help you get the work done.

1. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. 

You must have a framework on which to hang your story. Whether you are a plotter, or a pantser, you must understand the structure of a story, how story works, how to put the pieces together in order to tell a story effectively, yes, but emotionally satisfying, even more so.

Reasons I recommend this book to writers: 

a. It's no nonsense. While there is lots of meat on the bone here, it's clearly laid out, logically walking you through the process of plotting a novel.

b. It's written by an excellent teacher. I've taken several classes with James Bell, and he's an entertaining speaker and an interesting writer. This book is no napper!

c. The story structure he lays out works for me. Three acts, suspension bridge analogy, it all just fits into my head.

I know there are lots of ways to plot a novel, and no one way will be perfect for every writer. You might prefer The Hero's Journey or The Story Equation or Your Own Secret Method. But if you struggle to understand story, if your characters are milling about with nothing to do, try Plot & Structure.

2. Goal, Motivation, & Conflict by Debra Dixon

This book, y'all! I can't tell you how many new writers need this little tome. Here's the bottom line on writing novels: No Conflict, No Story! We all want to coddle our beloved characters, feather their nest, and keep them safe and warm, but NO! That is boring! No one wants to read about happy people in a happy land. Toss those characters out into the cold, be mean to them, make them struggle...but not aimlessly. The conflict must have a purpose, and it must rise out of the goals and motivations of the characters. Find out what your character wants, why they want it, and what is keeping them from getting it.

Reasons I recommend this book:

a. It lays out the most essential core of every great novel, in an "Why did I not realize this?" way. Easy charts, easy to understand concepts, and no extra chapters or words.

b. It uses commonly known movies as examples (because more people are likely to have watched the same movie than read the same book) and deconstructs them into Goal, Motivation, & Conflict to help understand the concept.

This book can be more difficult to get in print, though you can find it as an ebook. Haunt used book sites like Thriftbooks or Abebooks.com to get a hard copy.

3. The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines (16 Master Archetypes)

Okay, y'all, THIS BOOK! Way back in the hinterland of time, a guest blogger here at Seekerville recommended this book, and it was a game-changer for me. I am a plot-first novelist, and I used to find it difficult to create interesting characters who seemed authentic to themselves through the entire book. When I got my hot little hands on this volume, all that changed. Character creation became so much easier! My characters were different from one another, stayed consistent to their personality throughout the book, and hopefully became more interesting.

Reasons I recommend this book:

a. It gives eight hero archetypes and eight heroine archetypes, with examples from books, tv, and film for each type. Example, Spock and Sherlock Holmes are the same archetype. The same at the core, but different in expression.

b. It shows how each of the characters interact with each different archetype, a GOLD MINE for a romance author! Each hero type is paired with each heroine type, and the authors show how those characters Clash, Mesh, and Change as a result of their working together.

c. It's fun. An easy read with fun notes in the margins, examples of possible occupations for each of the character types, and fun comparisons with popular characters. 

These are the three main 'how-to' writing books I recommend, no matter where you are in your writing journey. If you're new, these will be eye-opening and will help propel your writing forward. If you're a veteran, these can offer both a fun refresher course, and also give you some resources to pass along to newer writers.

QUESTION FOR YOU: What writing books are your 'go-to' resources? Have you read any of these listed here?

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!

Regency London's detective duo is back on a new case--and this one is going to be a killer

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

"Erica Vetsch once again weaves a classic tale of how the old affects the new. An artfully told story that will have you wondering at the outcome until the final pages are read."-- Ruth Logan Herne, USA TODAY best-selling author

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Jesus is depicted with the Alpha and Omega letters
in the Catacombs of Rome from the 4th century. [PD-US]

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
'Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
'I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
'I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."

Luke 13:22-30

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 join us in praying for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the rising cost of fuel and food.
Together, let's pray we can, once again, become a prosperous and productive nation. Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.   

GOD BLESS THE USA!
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.     

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: Jan Drexler
Tuesday: Pepper Basham shared a few conference tips to help writers/readers navigate stepping back into the "in-person" conference realm. 
Wednesday: Debby Giusti's blog was entitled "What's New for Christian Writers!" She provided an overview of the new, independent Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers group. The organization offers so many benefits for its members. Check it out!
Thursday: Winnie Griggs gave us a checklist for crafting a great HEA. Winners of their choice of one of her books are Lori, Lee-Ann, AA Haynes, Michelle Gregory and JCP


Monday: Erica Vetsch We're talking writing how-to books!
Tuesday: Mindy's Launch Party! She's celebrating her new release, the first book in a brand-new series, with fun and prizes!
Wednesday: Cate Nolan will be sharing some late summer reflections.  Thursday: Pam Hillman







SOLDIER PROTECTOR#2 on Publishers Weekly Bestseller Listfor Religion Books!
Thanks for your support, dear friends!

The Officer’s Secret

In the middle of the night, Maggie Bennett finds her army officer sister dead in her military housing. But as US Army criminal investigations agent Nate Patterson begins asking questions, Maggie can’t tell the handsome man everything she knows. Except that her sister was definitely murdered—for a secret Maggie can’t share. Then she walks into the killer’s trap and has to trust Nate with the truth…and her heart.

 The Soldier’s Sister

Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help. But can she trust him when he’s convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to her brother and the agent she may be falling for, Stephanie doesn’t know who or what to believe. But soon she’ll have to choose sides to stay alive…

Still Available HERE!

Coming August 23rd... Welcome to Hope Crossing, a brand-new series from award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus.
She came home to make things right Will she be given a second chance?Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy? Preorder your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target






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 )

How to Write Emotional Scenes (Without Making Them Cringey) by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
Cheat Sheet to Writing a Book by Kariss Lynch at Learn How To Write A Novel
5 Creative Ways to Use Snapchat for Writers by Joan Selby at Write To Done
What it Takes to be An Author in the 21st Century by Rachel Hauck at ACFW blog
Identifying Problems with Your Author Business by Daniel Parsons at Mark Dawson 
Using Motifs in a Powerful Way in Your Fiction by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
Conquering the Blank Page by Hannah Bauman at Between the Lines Editorial
Everyone's Got Rules by Terry Odell at KillZone blog
How to Create Amazon Ads to Become an Amazon Bestseller by Susan U Neal at The Write Conversation
Book Brush vs Canva: Which Design Tool is Better for Authors by Rosie A Point at Kindleprenuer
Embracing Messy and Inconsistent Journaling by Kat Cuthbert at Bullet Journal
How to Write a Novel from Scenes by Sarra Cannon at Heart Breathings

A Checklist For Writing Your Happily Ever After

 

Hi everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Today I want to discuss one of the components that is absolutely essential to any romance story - the Happily Ever After ending (HEA). And for this discussion I’m going to lump Happy For Now (HFN) endings under the same umbrella.

From the outside looking in, this element of your romance seems simple enough to write. After completing their story journey, the hero and heroine discover they truly do love each other, they profess this sentiment in a heart-tugging, romantic manner, and then—figuratively or literally—thy ride off into the sunset with the blissful intention of never parting. Easy-peasy, right?

Wrong—at least not if it’s done right. As with most things, getting it right is much harder than it looks.

So how do you make sure your ending is satisfying and memorable? Below are some things you should take into consideration when crafting your story’s HEA

Don’t rush the ending.
There are certain scenes, even in the fastest paced stories, that have a huge emotional payout for your reader - these are the scenes you most certainly DON’T want to race through, that you want to dig into in order to provide depth and texture and sensory richness. These scenes are the heart and soul of your book, the emotional lynchpins that, when structured well, can land a book on many a reader’s keeper shelf. In a romance, the HEA is one of those scenes.  This means that you should take the pains to immerse the reader in whatever emotions are applicable - hope, joy, anguish, poignancy, rage, passion, or a deep and abiding commitment, or some combination of these.
Just one note of caution here. While you don't want to rush your ending, you don't want it to drag on either. Make sure you give it the emotional depth it needs and then wrap it up.

The HEA should never appear to be cookie cutter or generic.
An ending that has nothing to do with the characters and their story journey will always fall flat. Rather, your HEA moment should be informed by these specific characters and the specific growth and healing they experienced throughout the story. This is their payoff for all of that angst they endured (and the payoff for the reader as well) so make it fit!

Don't make the HEA moment feel like it comes from ‘out of the blue’.
We’ve all read at least one book where the characters had a relationship that went something like “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, oh wait-I love you.”  Not very realistic and also not memorable (except in a bad way). For the HEA to be satisfying the reader needs to feel it came about over time and as a result of personal growth and the recognition of qualities in their .

Your protagonists should show that they’ve earned their HEA.
They do this by exhibiting growth through overcoming obstacles both external and internal throughout their story journey. It should be clear that the people they were at the beginning of your story could not have made the commitment necessary to grasp their HEA, that it is only by undergoing the changes experienced through their story journey that they are finally ready to make the necessary leap of faith.

 

There should be a sacrifice of some sort on the part of both protagonists.
Again they need to show they deserve this reward. The sacrifice they each make won’t be the same or even carry the same weight. Instead the sacrifice will be tied to who they are and what their wound is. And a good rule of thumb is, whoever has the biggest problem with commitment should be the one to sacrifice the most, to make the biggest leap, to make himself/herself vulnerable in order to reach for the HEA in the end.

There should be indications that this HEA is truly a new beginning for a rich and fulfilling life to come.
Now that they’ve committed to each other the reader wants some indication that this commitment will stick, especially if one or both fought really hard against it for a large portion of the story. In many romances this is done with an epilogue, but that’s not the only way to do it. It can be shown in the depth of the sacrifice, in the willingness of a proud protagonist to humble himself.

So that’s my HEA checklist. If you've reached this point in the writing of your story, you've invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears in its creation - make sure you don't fumble the ending. Give your readers an ending that makes them sigh with satisfaction and think about your story long after they've closed the book.

Can you give an example of a book or film that you thought had a particularly memorable HEA? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for any book from my backlist.

What's New for Christian Writers?

By Debby Giusti 

Have you heard about the “NEW” Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers organization?

It’s an online group for writers at any stage of their careers, from pre-published to established authors. If you’re a writer or are interested in writing, FHLCW is the organization for you!

The original FH&L was established in 1996 as a chapter of Romance Writers of America. In 2021, the 90-plus members disaffiliated from the national group and became an independent writing group that has seen its membership grow ever since.

Today, close to 300 FHLCW members connect online to support and encourage one another. Educational opportunities abound as well as zoom chats and social online gatherings. Monthly programs are free to members (non-members are charged a nominal fee to register for the various classes). Last night, I attended How to Sell Yourself with Thomas Umstattd. Next month, I’m looking forward to Using Cross-promotion to Grow Your Professional Network, with Laurie Cooper.

The FHLCW website (https://fhl-cw.com/) provides an in-depth overview of the organization. Here’s some of what you can find there:

What is FHLCW’s purpose?

“To promote excellence in Christian fiction and/or fiction written from a Christian worldview. To help Christian writers establish their careers and to provide continuing support for writers within the fiction publishing industry.” We accomplish this stated purpose through our email groups, our online programs, our contests and awards, etc.

What are some of the benefits for members?

FHL sponsors an email group where members can exchange publishing information, discuss writing issues, and receive encouragement.

»FHL sponsors the FHL READERS CHOICE AWARD to honor the best in published Christian Romantic Fiction as well as the TOUCHED BY LOVE AWARD for unpublished manuscripts.

»FHL seeks to encourage its members through special projects, including through online chapter programs via Zoom and Facebook Groups.

»FHL seeks to connect members with readers through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The new-member application form is on the website and is an easy-peasy process. Yearly dues are $35, and the benefits to the members are worth every penny!

I told FHLCW President Nancy J. Farrier that I would be talking about FHLCW on Seekerville today, and she sent this lovely note to our blog community to help explain the many positive aspects membership in the organization entails!

I have been a member of FHL, now FHL Christian Writers, almost since its inception in the 90's. I love our group. Now that we are independent, we are striving to be a family of writers. We encourage one another. We have excellent programs with replays available to members. We have Zoom gatherings when we meet according to genre or location or one of many other topics to chat with one another. Our authors can connect with each other, even when they live in Australia or Europe. This year, we reinstated our Touched by Love Award for unpublished authors and were surprised at the eager response. I'm so excited to see these authors grow. We have several critique groups and next month we are having a workshop for members only to teach how to benefit from cross-promotion. Exciting stuff. My dream is for FHLCW to become more of a family. To have our own conference in the future--one that is an encouragement to all so that we build each other up. I'm excited to see how we're growing and look forward to new horizons. 

I also heard from longtime Seekervillager and now FHLCW Prayer Volunteer Coordinator Patti Jo Moore, who sent this message:

The FHLCW organization is such a caring group of Christian writers, and I'm thankful to be a member. Not only are members willing to share their expertise in certain areas, but more importantly, they are always willing to pray when a member has a concern or a prayer request.

My favorite aspect of this group is our Monday morning prayers. I am the Prayer Volunteer Coordinator for the group, and have been so blessed and inspired by the uplifting prayers that our members post. When I asked for volunteers, the responses I received made me realize just what a caring group I'm in! I truly feel the Lord is at work through the members of FHLCW.

Both messages reveal how the “new” FHLCW is a Christian organization centered on the members and their needs. Whether you’re actively writing or interested in writing, consider joining FHLCW. I feel confident you’ll enjoy the many benefits available to the members!

I hope to see you on the FHLCW loop, at the ZOOM programs and taking part in the frequent online opportunities to mix and mingle with the other members. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to improve your craft, learn more about networking and marketing and connect with more than 50 published Christian authors and so many more writers working towards publication. FHLCW is THE organization for anyone interested in a writing career. See you there!

Happy Writing! 

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

 

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The Soldier’s Sister

Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help. But can she trust him when he’s convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to her brother and the agent she may be falling for, Stephanie doesn’t know who or what to believe. But soon she’ll have to choose sides to stay alive…

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A Few Thoughts about Conferences...and Networking :)

The ACFW conference is on the horizon and after two years it's going to be great to have the chance to see folks in person again. I'm super excited to get the chance to attac...er...hug as many author and reader friends as possible. Readers, you say? Well, THIS year, ACFW is also having StoryFest so readers can join in the fun, so it's double the fun for authors. We get a chance to see our writing buddies AND hang out with the folks who love our fictional people!!But conferences can be great for more than just socializing and aggressively hugging folks. :) They are also good networking and marketing places. In case you haven't heard this enough on Seekerville, let me say it one more 'gin. 

Visibility is important in marketing. 
Now, does that mean you need to spend all your time and money going to every writer's conference on the planet? No! I like people, but that sounds absolutely terrifying (and expensive) to me. However, if you DO go to a conference, then it's a great time to use your time well and engage in some friendly networking. 
1. Have a business card- for the newbies out there, this is a very good investment. It keeps you in people's minds longer than an introduction. It's also a good idea to have your photo on your card so that folks have both the auditory clue of your name/voice as well as a visual reminder of what you look like :)
2. Share the fun on social media - this is a great way for people who know you online to look for you if you're going to be at the conference. It's also helpful for those introverts who aren't as comfortable initiating contact with stranger, because you can find "your group" faster. In fact, the group may very well come to you if they know you're going to be present. (And, as always, social media is a great marketing tool anyway). 
3. Find your emotional support people - Like I said in #2, touching base with folks before you get to conference to let them know you're going to be there, sets up an opportunity for you to already have SOME people to hang out with. Plus, there's a good chance those people will know OTHER people, which then broadens your "visibility" within the community. You never know which connections will lead to the best connections. 

4. Smile - yeah, yeah. This seems like a simple thing to share, but nerves can do crazy things to our facial expressions. Unless your smile is Joker-scary, then USUALLY smiles  are reciprocated AND have a tendency to make any face a little nicer. Smiles give off the vibe of approachable. I know not all of us may want to appear approachable, but you'll need to leave that side of you at home during the conference (or only pull it out when you're hiding in your hotel room after "people exhaustion". Bonus: ACFW is a Christian writer's conference, so we'd hope most people would be nice and approachable anyway. This is the time to branch out, put your best foot forward, and try to learn, grow, and build your community. I can assure you, most of the rest of us are there for the same thing and (don't tell anyone), but I still get nervous every time I go!
5. Being Prepared - sound weird to add this to visibility? Well, let me just say, folks who come in ready are more memorable. Ready to take advantage of the moment. Having those business cards, one-sheets, maybe a few first pages...those are great ways to show you've prepared to meet with folks. Also, preparing yourself by creating catchy elevator pitches is another. AND preparing your heart and soul through prayer and mutual encouragement is a great way too. 
Conferences can be crazy, but they can also lead to GREAT opportunities for you to network...and even build your own community of fellow nerds...er....writers. I already knew some of the Seekers when I attended my first conference and immediately had a kinship with them. They introduced to other people. 
P.S. I support fangirling. That last photo is of me and Debbie Maccomber. I've also met Francine Rivers. I walked right up to them to introduce myself and tell them that I loved their books. (and I was nervous the whole time, but...now I have this cool photo to share for visibility! LOL) Are you attending a conference soon? What would you like to learn more about as you prepare? Pitches? One-sheets? Business Cards? Etc. ?

More Hidden Treasures

Jaime Jo's post last week was so sweet, wasn't it? She shared some hidden treasures she found after her mother passed away. You can read that post HERE.

When I told her my dad had recently given me my own hidden treasure, she urged me insisted that I share it on my Seekerville post this month. "Sure!" I said. "That would be fun." (That may not be an exact quote.)

Unlike Jaime Jo's stellar works of fiction, my first book was non-fiction, done as a school assignment when I was in first grade. But the illustrations are priceless.

My name is Janet Tomlinson. I have four in my Family. I have a brother and a cat.
Other than spelling my last name wrong (it should be Tomlonson - I blame my teacher for the editing error) the story so far is pretty accurate. I wish I had included a picture of my cat.
In fact, this particular teacher stands out in my memory because of incidents like this one. I remember her insistence that my name should be spelled with an "I" rather than an "O." I don't like being corrected, especially when I know the person trying to correct me is wrong!(And yes, that's still one of my more irritating personality traits - but I've learned to go with the flow unless it's something important.)
Which brings me to the topic for this post. Reading this early story of mine reminded me of the people along the way who stand out in my memory. Some for being encouragers and some for being discouragers.
My first grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor, was a discourager. I never did anything creative in her class. My third grade teacher, Miss Shields, was also a discourager. 
So why did I continue to write stories? Because of the encouragers.
I still remember them vividly, even though it has been more than fifty years since I've seen them: My second grade teacher, Mrs. Griffith; fourth grade, Mrs. VanVorhees; fifth grade, Mrs. Harrington.
Mrs. Harrington stands out because she saw potential in me and let me read. And read. And read. While the other students had reading groups, I had all the books I wanted to read. And tons of book reports.*sigh* The cost of reading at my own pace. :-)
And to this day, whenever I see a Chickadee, I think of Mrs. Harrington - they were her favorite bird.


But my mom was my best encourager. I don't remember anything specific that she said or did, but I knew she had my back, as busy as she was with her day job.

My mother teaches. She teaches fourth grade. Her children are bad sometimes. 

My mom instilled a love of reading in me. She also taught me the value of being a homemaker, even though as a pastor's wife in a small church, her full-time homemaking only happened during the summer months.



When my mother started feeling the effects of Alzheimer's, she still cheered me on as I taught my children in our homeschool. We talked often about how I was using my college education - my degree is in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis - and I knew she hoped that someday I would turn back to writing.
And God's timing is perfect - several years before she passed away, and just before she finally slipped into the enclosed dream world of advanced Alzheimer's, I sold my first story. She understood and celebrated with me as I told her that my story would be published in Woman's World Magazine.


Mom never got to read any of my published works other than my first book, written when I was six. But she kept those pages - as unwieldy as they are - and moved them from Michigan to Kansas to Indiana. They were among the treasures she kept.
These days, my dad is my biggest cheerleader.



He has been known to hang out in the Christian Fiction section of his local library and waylay browsers. "If you like Amish fiction, you should try my daughter's books."


Like Jaime Jo said, my first book is a Hidden Treasure. A testament of a mother's love and encouragement and a father's continued belief in his daughter.
Who are the encouragers in your life? How have they influenced your writing?
PS - I didn't leave my husband and children off this list to slight them. On the contrary - their encouragement (especially my dear husband's) is off the charts. :-)

Leave a comment to be in the drawing for an e-book copy of my next release, "The Case of the Artist's Mistake!" Due to be released September 14, 2022!
In this second Sweetbrier Inn Mystery, Emma discovers a local artist dead in her art gallery. Deputy Cal is convinced she died from natural causes, but he hasn't convinced Emma.
More details to follow in coming weeks!