Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 68

Writing Scenes that Match Your Genre

 by Jan Drexler

One of the first things I learned when I became a Seekervillager ten years ago was that the scene is the building block of the book. A writer uses scenes to progress through the story, building tension and raising the stakes along the way. 

For my first several books, I used a method for writing scenes that worked very well. But then I started writing in a new genre and a new point of view. Those major changes made me realize that the way I had been writing scenes wasn’t a “one size fits all” method!

Let me explain…

Writing Historical Romance

In my historical romances, I change the point of view character with every scene. In my Love Inspired books, I use two POV characters, and in my longer, trade-length stories I use multiple POVs (the hero, heroine, and two or three secondary characters.) 



I structure my scenes like a mini book, with a beginning, middle, and an end. I plot the scene with a Goal, Motivation, and Conflict for the POV character, and create the scene with rising tension that comes to a resolution (although not a complete resolution) at the end of the scene. (You can click on the graphic to enlarge it.)


This works well in a romance. The POV characters grow and change in each of their scenes as they interact with the other characters and encounter conflict. 


Writing a Cozy Mystery

When I tried using my scene-building technique in my cozy mystery, I ran up against a brick wall! What was wrong? Why didn’t it work?

I think the main reason was because of the mystery genre. A mystery requires a limited point of view to keep the reader in the sleuth’s mind. For the first time, I decided to write in first person instead of third person.

When we write in first person, the POV character never changes. We are in Emma’s POV all through the book. This limits the amount of information the reader receives, but it also limits the number of characters we can use to tell the story. I was accustomed to letting my POV characters react to each other as I switched scenes, but with a single POV, I only have Emma’s experiences and reactions to work with.

So, I went to my craft books for help.

I decided to try a method that Dwight Swain recommends in his book, “Techniques of the Selling Writer,” the scene/sequence method. According to Swain, the scene contains the conflict, and the sequel is the transition between the scenes.

 
But then I saw this in Donald Maass’s “The Breakout Novelist:” 

“There was a time when aftermath passages were considered essential to a novel. Even today, some fiction instructors preach the pattern of scene-sequel-scene. I do not believe in aftermath…I find that most aftermath is the easiest material in any manuscript to skim. It lacks tension.”

 

Hmm…. 

I decided to try it out and see what happens.

The result? I disagree with Maass’s opinion – at least in this case.


The way the scene-sequel-scene pattern works is straight forward.

The Scene is full of action, rising tension, and conflict. It moves the story along with big things happening – things that cause the character to fight for what she believes. 



The sequel follows with Reaction, Dilemma, and Decision.


 The Reaction is the part that Maass doesn’t like, because he thinks it’s too easy for the tension to sag. Well, I do agree with him on that point, but it doesn’t have to be that way! A clever, talented author (like all of us, right?) can keep the tension high, even in an aftermath.


So, how do we keep the tension high in an aftermath or reaction scene?

Let me show you with this example from my cozy mystery. The setting is a B&B where Emma is working for her Aunt Rose. It is the first day of the season, and the inn is full of guests.

I end one of the early scenes with this disaster:

A man was sleeping on the floor, on his side, facing the wall.

“Hey!”

He didn’t move. Was he passed out? Drunk? And why was he in my room?

I circled the sectional thinking I would shake him awake, but when I touched his shoulder he rolled from his side onto his back, his eyes open and staring at the ceiling. I leaned over him.

“Are you all right?” I said it again, louder. “Hey, are you all right? Sir?”

That’s when it struck me. He wasn’t asleep.

The challenge is to keep the tension high in the reaction. The next chapter starts with the sequel and Emma’s reaction to the disaster.

“Rose.” I put my hand on her arm. “I have something to tell you.”

As she turned toward me, Sam and Nora came down the stairs dressed as if they were planning to party the night away. Annie and Roger were behind them, their casual clothes a contrast to the other couple’s. Finally, Montgomery descended the stairs, pulling on leather driving gloves.

“Good night, ladies,” he said.

“That’s all of them,” Rose said as Clara joined us. “It was a successful first afternoon, don’t you think?”

“Except for one thing.”

“What’s that, dear?”

I took a deep breath.

“There’s a man in my room. He might be dead. I think.”

The police come, Emma becomes the prime suspect, and the mystery is on its way.



This scene-sequel-scene method won’t work for every genre. 
Think of a suspense novel, where the stakes and tension need to be raised in every scene.

Or a romance, where the stakes need to continue to rise, but there also needs to be a scene here and there where the tension is released, and your characters have a chance to fall in love with each other.

But for the cozy mystery (and other stories with a single main character,) this scene-sequel-scene is perfect. The stakes and tension are raised in the scene, the tension remains high in the sequel, then raise again in the next scene.



What do you think? Let us know your favorite method for writing scenes in the comments!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Christ cleansing a leper by Jean-Marie Melchior
Doze, 1864. [PD-US]

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, 
touched him, and said to him, 
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything,
but go, show yourself to the priest 
and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.
He spread the report abroad
so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.
He remained outside in deserted places,
and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Mark 1: 40-45

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 the United States--and the world--during the current rise in Coronavirus cases. Pray for the sick and suffering, for businesses and schools to remain open, for people to be able to work and for our economy to prosper.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and your families and keep you safe.     

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 

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.


Monday: Angela Ruth Strong shared her new plotting technique! 
Tuesday: Heidi Chiavaroli offered us a post about her journey into writing split-time novels. The winner of The Orchard House is Edwina!
Wednesday: Ruthy was in the house talking about making money from your writing... and how important that is for most of us! Copies of her upcoming Kendrick Creek release "Rebuilding Her Life" go to Karen Jennings and Sarah Taylor! 
Friday: Beth shared some organizational encouragement. The winner's choice of two books from her book stash goes to Sherrinda and Winnie!




Monday:  Jan Drexler will begin the week with a look at writing scenes, the building blocks of your book. Which method is her favorite? Stop by on Monday and see!
Wednesday:  Debby Giusti will blog on Ash Wednesday about Writing and the Lenten Journey! Be sure to stop by for a cup of coffee and take part in the discussion on Lenten writing goals!  Friday: Winnie Griggs hasn't quite figured out what her post will be about yet, so stay turned and we'll all be surprised. :)








JustRead Publicity Tours is celebrating three years of buzzing about books! 
Join us February 17-20 as we share the book love with shoutouts to some of our most popular titles and enter to win our birthday giveaways.



There is an awesome, massive book giveaway going on, and there's still time to enter! 

Use this link to get to the Rafflecopter page: https://bit.ly/3pMsbTT  There are multiple winners, and the grand prize winner will walk away with EIGHTEEN Romances set in many different eras, including Erica Vetsch's The Lost Lieutenant. 


The countdown is on!
A BROTHER'S PROMISE

He didn’t realize he wanted a family… Until he suddenly became a single dad. 

After his sister’s death, rancher Mick Ashford’s determined to ensure his orphaned niece, Sadie, feels at home. And accepting guidance from Christa Slocum is his first step. But just as Christa and Sadie begin to settle into Mick’s heart, Sadie’s paternal grandparents sue for custody. Now Mick must fight to keep them together…or risk losing the makeshift family he’s come to love.March 2021Available for preorder HERE!Read the first chapter here.
HIDDEN AMISH SECRETS Her temporary Amish homecoming could get her killed. Julianne Graber left her Amish life behind after a family tragedy, but now she’s back to sell the family home— and someone’s dead set on getting rid of her. With her neighbor William Lavy by her side, Julianne must uncover dangerous secrets to make sense of the past and present. Can she find justice for her family—and a future with Will—before the killer hits his target?March 2021Available for Pre-Order HERE!
Mark your Calendar for Thursday, Feb 18!Debby Giusti will be a featured author at theNewnan, Georgia, Library Hometown Novel NightAn online event you're sure to enjoy!
Register athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/137476829899
The First Page by Toni Shiloh at Learn How To Write A Novel
How to Launch a New Book Using BookBub's Marketing Tools by Diana Urban at BookBub Blog
4 Ways to Develop Character Agency by Janice Hardy at Fiction University
Believing in Yourself as a Writer is Vital by Cindy K Sproles at The Write Conversation

Archetypal Character Arcs, Part 1 by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
Romance Tropes in Romances by Hannah Bauman at Between The Lines Editorial
4 Ways to Unlock Your Brainstorming Process by Lewis at The Novel Smithy
KDSPY Review: Get an Edge in Book Sales by CS Lakin at The Self Publisher
Why Would Someone Want to Read Your Book by Rachelle Gardner
9 Ways to Unleash the Power of Free in 2021 by David Gaughran 

Organization: What Works for Me

written by Beth Erin
One of the many great things about community is learning from one another and we’re excited to bring you even more practical Seekerville posts to learn from. Carrie is spearheading a new addition to the monthly rotation featuring nuts and bolts type articles from various industry professionals sharing what works for them in hopes that y’all will find precious little nuggets that work for you too! While she officially starts those posts in March, I thought I would kick things off by sharing some organizational tips and tools that work for me.

Regardless of who you are or what you do, life is a multifaceted gig. We all allocate time for faith, finances, loved ones, home, health, and the list goes on and on and on. Some confidently refer to this balance as donning many hats, some say it feels like a juggling act, others may reference the more hazardous act of spinning plates, and then there’s one of my personal favorites, herding cats. Let’s face it, even if we manage to get our ducks in a row, those little quackers are going to waddle, swim, and fly away at times.

As I finally dive into writing this post less than 12 hours before it’s scheduled to go live, allow me to assure you that I do not have all the answers. What I do have is a commitment to flexibility, streamlining, and giving myself grace plus a few tools that help me manage life in a manner that is a little bit less stressful. So grab your hats, plates, cats, and ducks as we dive into the act of ordering our chaos!

In addition to working from home (plus blogging, reading, etc.), I homeschool our four children (ages 8-15) while my husband works odd hours outside the home (in many ways creating a second family time zone). The kids and I especially tend to lose track of time while focused on a project or engrossed in a good book so daily reminders for snacks, meals, bedtime, etc. broadcast from our Google displays, speakers, and smartphone apps. We share and collaborate everything from chores and lessons to photos to shopping lists with our online calendar and cloud drive storage, keeping everyone in the loop with easy access to the same information.

Side note: While we primarily use Microsoft & Google products, Apple, Amazon, etc. have similar products with similar features. If you want to go old school, you might use a traditional kitchen timer or alarm clock, a wall calendar, and a message board to keep your daily routine rolling. Secondly, I try not to obsess over the whole “big brother is listening to/watching everything we do” factor. The way I figure, that factor came into play way before smartphones entered the picture so we might as well get all the help we can out of our nosey technology.

Professionally, we at JustRead Publicity Tours use a variety of tools to manage the four to six campaigns we organize 47 weeks out of the year. For those who aren't familiar with us, JustRead has three owners (Carrie in Georgia, Rachel in Washington, and I am in Illinois) and an entire hive of wonderful volunteer book bees! Google is again a large part of the organizational equation but for the three of us, managing multiple projects and business matters as a team calls for the addition of a task management program.


While there are several options available (Monday.com, Wrike, SmartSheet, etc.), we’re currently loving Asana for its versatility, functionality, and rainbows (because we all need more rainbows). Even though we chose to go with the upgraded features of a paid plan, the free version worked well for us during our transition from the last program we used. Other tools such as Trello are also good options for managing multiple projects and even collaborating with others.


Enough about me, let’s get back to you!

Most importantly, I want to encourage you to find an approach to organizing that makes sense for you. The most sophisticated program can’t compete with consistent old school methods if utilizing technology isn’t your thing. If sticky notes on the refrigerator work for you, do that! A bit of organization should make your life LESS stressful, never more stressful.

Be flexible. Allow yourself a little extra time for random occurrences of Murphy’s Law when setting due dates. Be brave. Try something new or tweak what you’re already doing. Successful or not, trial periods are always learning experiences.

K.I.S.S. your chaos. “Keep It Simple, Silly!” The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. If you’re like me and have a hard time switching gears between different roles, don’t try to do all the things at once. Focus on one project for an hour or even a day at a time.

Give yourself grace. Some of us may have superpowers but most of us don’t. Our chaos gets a little out of control and we roll with the punches. Don’t allow pride or shame to keep you from asking for an extension or assistance when you need to.
Share your favorite organizational tools or methods in the comments for a chance to win a book from my stash of Christian fiction.


Beth Erin is a happy wife, a busy homeschooling mama of four, an owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, and a Christian fiction enthusiast. You'll occasionally find her on Faithfully Bookish and on social media but mostly she's striving to balance all things work and home. Beth is passionate about promoting authors and their entertaining, encouraging, and redemptive stories. If none of the above was helpful in a practical way, she hopes that it at least made you smile.

Writing For a Living: Not a Hobby

 I am always serious about my writing... and I'm not just serious about this beautiful new book, Book One of my Kendrick Creek series, set in the blue mist of the Smoky Mountains... I'm in love with it. Such a good story! :) Of course I'd think that, but it is.... I've just sent it out to wonderful influencers and I hope they love it.

PREORDER LINK HERE, JUST SO YOUSE DON'T MISS IT! 

Even when I'm a goof, I'm a goof with a purpose and that purpose is to make what I love doing worthwhile so that I will DIE doing what I love.

Writing stories. And supporting myself with writing money.

Now before all y'all write my epitaph, I'm not dying. (That I know of) I'm not sick, even... I'm just saying that writing is the kind of job you can do until the grave calls. I give you Laura Ingalls Wilder... James Michener.... Herman Wouk.... Agatha Christie.... Sue Grafton and so many more! 

As long as you have your health and mental acuity, you can write A VERY LONG TIME.

Now folks might get sick o' youse, they might feel like you've told the same story for the last five years (note that I'm naming no names here) and they may eventually chuck your work across a room, just because, but in the meantime you're acquiring new readers because they haven't read all gazillion books, and do you know that there are 331,000,000 people in this country alone? And if you add in the English speaking world? Another 20,000,000 native speakers. And over a billion if you count English as a second language. That's a lot of Kindles, darling.

I remember years ago someone explaining to me that people don't buy Kindles or tablets to read. They buy them for games.

My Kindle Unlimited account begs to differ. 

I could live on what I'm making on my indie books. Not live "big", but I'm not a big-living person. But I wouldn't starve and I could pay my bills on my indie books alone, so if you think those efforts don't add up over time, I'm here to say you're wrong... and don't give up! 

This isn't bragging. It's the farthest from bragging, but folks aren't generally supposed to talk about publishing money. It's often kept secret which is one way of having control over authors so they don't chat and create an air of discontent. That's pretty much old news now, but it was a Very Real Thing for a long time, and maybe still is... there was even a Secret Website where you could report your income anonymously and they would share the demographics online... I am not kidding. That's how things were. This was eight years ago. So we're not talking another century or dinosaur era or historical... we're talking very recently.

When I was newly published with Love Inspired I overheard a fellow at a conference  chatting about his wife's book and I heard him say, "We'll never get rich on it, but it keeps her happy."

Kind of like she was a puppy... 

I hope I hid my dismay.

First, writing a book and getting it published is tough! It's no walk in the park. And yeah, starting with category books, we don't make a ton initially... but if we stick with it and produce two-four books/year, it adds up... 

Here's an article link to Possible Publishing Trends for 2021

Talking money is rarely comfortable for folks because it's a private matter, but in this industry it was taken to new heights... Publishers didn't want authors talking and revealing advances, hence the "sweet" and "nice" and "really sweet" designations you see in publications.

To make a living in category and small books, you need to produce several/year and give yourself time to build a backlist. That's huge.

To make a living in big books, you need to wow a wonderful publisher and sell books... and that combo will keep you selling! 

And if you want to make it in indie publishing, keep writing great stories and put them out when they're ready... folks do love to read... and they like a bargain, so my KU readers are happy... I'm happy... and my books are being read.

I have to say honestly, I'm not sure how serious it all is now. I don't pay attention because I am loving what I'm doing, writing my Love Inspired books and Guideposts mysteries and having fun with my indies... and honestly, this brings the best of three worlds together, like triangulating the location on a gps. 

Money and income are important. I've had to balance finances and juggle change for most of my life, and I respect money... but I don't love it. 

What I love are readers. Touching hearts. And helping people to find healing through words, through scripture, through stories... because that helped me through tough times.

And this is what I want for you, if your goal and dream is to write for a living: Don't stop.

Stay strong.

Work whatever jobs you have to to get by until you can pay your bills comfortably with writing income.

Never give up... unless you can. Because if you can, if it's not your stronghold, friends, that's okay! 

I had more I was going to say but I have a cold (first bug in 11 months!!!!) and my head is stuffy and I'm going to drink tea and offer two copies of this beautiful new Smoky Mountain book... Ruthy goes Blue Ridge! And loves it. And I'm adding pics of what we're doing here at the farm to support the scholarship fund in honor of our beloved Lisa who went home to heaven August 17th.... and to raise awareness and join in the battle so many are fighting: cancer. These are a couple of our "Wreaths of Love".

Leave a comment below and we'll chat about books, and writing and paychecks. 

Ruthy is living her dream of writing beautiful stories and fun mysteries and running a busy and growing pumpkin farm on the side... and she's blessed to have family and friends working right along with her! Friend her on Facebook, (warning: Ruthy is conservative, bleeds red/white/blue and is pro-life, so you've got to know this going in... With Ruthy what you see is what you get, so a little preparation is a wonderful thing! You can also email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com or visit her website ruthloganherne.com. She'd love to get to know you better! 

Welcome Guest Heidi Chiavaroli

 

I have loved split-time stories since before they were known by that name. The first I recall reading were written by Barbara Michaels (Patriot's Dream) and Barbara Erskine (Lady of Hay) and both had a hint of the supernatural. So naturally I'm thrilled to welcome Heidi here today to discuss writing in that genre.

Heidi's publisher is generously giving away one print copy (U.S.residents only) of The Orchard House, so please let us know in the comments if you are interested.

Welcome, Heidi.

                            My Journey to the Split-Time Genre

Heidi Chiavaroli

When I began writing, I had only one kind of story in my heart: historical. Quite simply, I loved history. Couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the research. I loved visiting historical places, imagining the real people who lived hundreds of years earlier.

So, despite the rejections that flowed in, I wrote in this genre for eight years. But even after I improved my craft and started winning contests, I couldn’t clinch that elusive contract. One agent told me that while my writing was “quite good,” historicals were tanking.

About that time, Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy fell into my hands. I gobbled it up, quickly followed by A Sound Among the Trees, Lady in Waiting, and A Fall of Marigolds. It was like a whole new world had opened up to me. Not only was Susan’s writing pure gorgeousness, but she did something incredibly unique to me: she created two story worlds—two timelines—in one story, bringing them together in perfect harmony by the end.

I couldn’t get enough and searched out more authors and more books as well as dipping my toe into the world of time-slip fiction. I also shifted from writing third-person to first-person POV.

As soon as I completed my first dual timeline novel, The Edge of Mercy, I started getting interest from agents and editors. I seemed to have found my niche, along with my voice. My second split-time novel, Freedom’s Ring, earned me my first publishing contract. And now, four books later, I still can’t get enough of this type of story.

A split-time book shows how characters and their legacies outlast them. And while we may have come much farther in technological advancements in the last couple hundred years, we share the same heart struggles as those who’ve come before us. Pain, fear, love, grief, joy—these are all as timeless as humanity. And we can learn from the journey of those who’ve come before us.

Another fun aspect is exploring real historical people. In my latest novel, The Orchard House, I dug up all I could on Louisa May Alcott. Not only was it super fun to visit Concord, Massachusetts, for research, but creating characters in the present day who would be directly impacted by Louisa and her books gave fresh meaning to this beloved woman’s legacy.

Sage advice dictates writers who have already established themselves not stray too far from their genre, but time-slip encapsulates both the contemporary and the historical, making it a sometimes-easier go-to transition than other genres.

If you’re trying to break into the industry and having little success, consider trying something new. Change what point of view you’re writing in. Try to write in the shoes of a character you wouldn’t normally gravitate to. Maybe change genres.

You never know what might be around the next corner (or time frame!).

Have you ever tried to write something completely different? How did this work out for you? Did you find it freeing or frightening?

About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli writes women’s fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write split-time stories. Her latest book, The Orchard House (February 2021), follows the lives of two estranged sisters who find forgiveness and reconciliation through the little-known story of author Louisa May Alcott’s time as a Civil War nurse. Visit Heidi online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Writing is my Boyfriend with Guest Angela Ruth Strong

Erica here: I'm delighted to host Angela Ruth Strong here at Seekerville today. If you know Angela at all, you know that Strong is more than just her name. It's who she is! She's a great friend, a great writer, and so very, very strong. A few weeks ago, she mentioned filling out scene cards in a post on Facebook, and I was intrigued! I'm always curious as to fellow-authors' methods and means of crafting stories, and much to my delight, Angela agreed to come here to Seekerville to share her method! Take it away, Angela!

I’m not the most structured person, so often when I write, my notes are scattered everywhere from phone texts to napkins I stole from The Cheesecake Factory. Sadly, I often lose these notes and have to completely recreate the work I’ve already done.

It’s much more fun to have my work compiled in such a way that I can refer back to it when needed, and I’m really thankful I found a system for this while going through chemo treatments. Because now that I’m ready to write the novel I’ve been dreaming out for over a year, I’ve already got the plot and characters ready to go.

This method comes from the book Story Genius by Lisa Cron, though I’ve adapted it to fit my own wild ways. And whether you are a pantser or a plotter, you can adapt it too.

First, I got a file folder and divided it up into sections for Scenes, Characters, Ideas, Random, and In-Development.

The goal is to get to a pile of numbered scene cards that lead from one to the next, powered by your character’s motivations and the domino effects their actions cause. The cards are simple, and they reveal plot holes or areas for potential writer’s block when you can’t fill in a blank. The cool thing is when that happens, you already have a file full of character info, ideas, and random notes to pull from.

Yesterday I took my pile of In-Development cards to a brainstorming session with one of my favorite comedy writers, Heather Woodhaven. Granted, my book titled Football is My Boyfriend is based on the football season, so I was also able to pull this old season calendar out of my folder.

This feels kind of like cheating, but it was great for knowing where a scene should go even if I didn’t have an idea for it yet. I was able to say, “This is an away game, so they are probably watching at Payton’s mom’s house, but I don’t know what happens there.” Then we’d look at the scene before and after, see exactly where the characters were at in their motivations, and fill in the blanks accordingly.

Coming Soon from Kregel Publications!

It was great because I was able to tie all my random ideas together. Some ideas were vetoed by Heather like “her dog dies.” I really didn’t want to kill the dog, but I needed my characters to have motivation for an upcoming scene. We were able to take other random notes that I didn’t remember writing like “her uncle shows up” to fill in that blank and trigger specific reactions in each of my characters.

My favorite moment came from a connection we made with a sledgehammer. “Yes!” I yelled and scribbled “sledgehammer” across the card. Heather added, “It was meant to be!” Which I followed up with, “It’s brilliant!” Then the wind whipped the card away into a nearby fountain we couldn’t reach, and we both stared at it for a moment. “It’s good luck,” Heather finally said. “Like throwing a penny into a wishing well.”

I liked that perspective. But rather than wish for a story that works, I’m going to keep filling out these cards.

Scene #1

Alpha Point: Angela fills out plotting cards for the first time.

Subplot: Heather enjoys the process and gets excited to finish her last contracted Love Inspired Suspense novel so she can start her own romantic comedy.

Cause: Angela is trying to figure out life after cancer.

Effect: Angela gets invited to blog about her new process by Erica Vetsch.

Why it Matters: Angela cares about story and wants to be an inspiration to other writers.

Realization: Getting organized is worth the extra time and effort.

And so…Whether or not she writes a bestseller, wins awards, or has Football is My Boyfriend made into a movie with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, she will still find more satisfaction in her work.

Links:www.angelaruthstrong.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220https://twitter.com/AngelaRStronghttps://www.instagram.com/ang_strong/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4746114.Angela_Ruth_Stronghttps://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-ruth-strong




Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon bestsellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.
Erica Here again: Describe your writing process. Plotter/Pantser, scene cards, outlines, snowflake method, darts at the wall? We want to know! 

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter's Wife, by John Bridges, 1839,
Birmingham Museum of Art. [PD-US].

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left 
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Mark 1:29-39

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 the United States--and the world--during the current rise in Coronavirus cases. Pray for the sick and suffering, for businesses and schools to remain open, for people to be able to work and for our economy to prosper.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and your families 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.


Monday: Mary Connealy told you all where she gets her ideas.
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus gave us some tips on Choosing the Right Hero for Your Heroine (and vice versa) . The winner of a copy of her upcoming release, A Brother's Promise, is... Kathy Baily, aka kaybee! Congratulations, Kathy!
Friday:  Mary and Ruthy flew down the hill on borrowed skis and taught a lesson on writing snow... and meaning it! Because if you've never faced a blizzard (or a tornado or hurricane or earthquake... you get the idea...) you're likely to mess it up if you're depending on something like The Weather Channel for your info... because the variants are amazing! Winner of "Welcome to Wishing Bridge" is Lynne and the winner of "The Reluctant Warrior" is Paula Schreckhise! Congratulations! 


Monday: Angela Ruth Strong shares with us her tips for plotting and planning a book!
Tuesday: Heidi Chiavaroli joins us to celebrate the release of her newest split time novel, The Orchard House.
Wednesday:  Ruthy (Ruth Logan Herne) is storming the castle today with another post on long-range thinking, planning, publishing and writing because if she can do it... anyone can! She's also giving away a copy of her upcoming Love Inspired book "Rebuilding Her Life".... win it before you can buy it!   Friday: Depending on who you ask, authors are always juggling or wearing a lot of hats or spinning plates and/or herding cats. Beth is sharing some organizational tools and encouragement for your balancing act. She also has books to rehome, drop by for a chance to win one.







Ruthy is thrilled to have her debut series with Love Inspired: The North Country Series... updated and republished as an indie series! And folks are loving it, so that makes her even happier! These three beautiful stories are only $1.99/each for Kindle which means you get the whole series for under $6.00... That's some serious wonderfulness right there! Link to Book One is HERE!!!! 




HIDDEN AMISH SECRETS Her temporary Amish homecoming could get her killed. Julianne Graber left her Amish life behind after a family tragedy, but now she’s back to sell the family home— and someone’s dead set on getting rid of her. With her neighbor William Lavy by her side, Julianne must uncover dangerous secrets to make sense of the past and present. Can she find justice for her family—and a future with Will—before the killer hits his target?March 2021Available for Pre-Order HERE!


A BROTHER'S PROMISE

He didn’t realize he wanted a family… Until he suddenly became a single dad. 

After his sister’s death, rancher Mick Ashford’s determined to ensure his orphaned niece, Sadie, feels at home. And accepting guidance from Christa Slocum is his first step. But just as Christa and Sadie begin to settle into Mick’s heart, Sadie’s paternal grandparents sue for custody. Now Mick must fight to keep them together…or risk losing the makeshift family he’s come to love.March 2021Available for preorder HERE!Read the first chapter here.
~~~~~~~IT'S COMING!!!! BRACED FOR LOVE Releasing March 2, 2021 Book #1 of the Brothers in Arms series




An Introduction to Archetypal Stories by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
5 Steps to Write Thrilling Historical Fiction for Teens by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
9 Ways to Unleash the Power of Free in 2021 by David Gaughran
3 Steps to Ground Readers in Your Story World by Janice Hardy at Fiction University
Creating Believable Action in Your Manuscript by Sarah Sally Hamer at The Write Conversation
The 8 Points of Progress by September C Fawkes at Writers Helping Writers
How Many Characters is Too Many? by Jodie Woodward at Writer's Edit
How to Write Devotionals by David Sluka at Steve Laube Agency
Four Ways to Control Pacing in Your Novel by Hannah Bauman at Between the Lines Editorial
What If--A Writer's Best Friend by Patricia Bradley at Learn How To Write A Novel

Living, Breathing Snow Scenes

 

By Ruth Logan Herne and Mary Connealy

Ruthy here.

I can generally tell when someone has never driven, walked, stood in or experienced a real blizzard or lake squall (blizzard-like conditions over a specific area instead of a general storm) because they tell it wrong. Not just different... because what one fears, another one takes as a challenge, so the variants of character(s) are fine... but the storms themselves are uniquely similar. So are the effects. But how those effects affect an area can be so different based on terrain, setting, wind direction. And as a writer, as an American author, 50% of your readership could live in an area (like mine and Mary's) where snow is a reality for six or seven months/year. We can cite the October, 2018 blizzard that decimated farms and animals throughout the Midwest to April blizzards that keep people from Easter services and cover fertile fields with flood waters as the Mississippi basin drains 1/3 of the country. Those staggering numbers mean you need to get it right or lose readers. I remember a line from "A Town Like Alice"... "But he was an 'abo', and he was painting his place." 

The hero was explaining why the aboriginal man got the painting uniquely right. So how do you correctly write something you've rarely or never experienced? We've got some great ideas for you today so you Don't Mess It Up... 'cause if you do? They'll boo ya! (Derek Jeter to President Bush 9/2001)

Here are a couple of shows that show actual winter:

The Last American Cowboy (Season 1, Episode 1)

Heartland Docs (Season 1, Episode 2) 

Heartland Docs is also available from National Geographic on your Disney + app if you have that.

The harsh reality of a rugged snowstorm is life-threatening. It can also be funny. And poignant. Think of ALL the Hallmark movies you've watched where they get snowed in... roads blocked... gently falling snow. #notreal #Imserious #itsnotlikethat but... they generally have the BAD SNOW between the heroine and the airport, right???? :) That way bucolic innocence wins the day.

Here's a list of what to look for on videos and shows if you're inexperienced at writing winter storms. 

1. Snow: This might seem obvious, but a thick-falling, moisture-heavy 31-degree snow is heavy and piles up quickly, making travel dangerous without a major wind attached. Conversely a frigid cold, tiny flake 10 degree storm with a 40 mph wind, makes white-outs and blizzard conditions (creating "no" or very low visibility) an immediate danger. Even if your folks aren't going out into the storm (sensible people, right?) what they see out their window affects your reader and sets the scene.

2. Wind: Wind and snow have clogged interstates, mountain roads, village streets, shut down cities and wreak havoc whenever they walk hand-in-hand. In cities, the immediate problem is congestion. A heavy snow needs to be moved. Millions of people need to stay put. Tens of thousands of cars clog the roads. Power lines fall, people are cold, options severely limited. And little apartments don't have much room for a pantry, do they? 

     Conversely in rural circumstances if there isn't a stock of food, being cut off from civilization, no power, no internet, no phone, no nothin' is a dire straits situation. (Mary's historical excerpt gives you that imminent feeling of danger. She threw in a fire for good measure.) :)

3. Slush: No one talks about slush, but slush on the roads can throw a car into a ditch or reel it into a field like my Welcome to Wishing Bridge opening chapter...  Amazon lets you read the opening chapter here for free, and I'm not bragging when I say that this chapter kept an editor from going to the Manhattan fireworks show several years ago because in her words "I couldn't put it down..." The result was a bestselling book with over 600 reviews and a 4.6 rating... But it starts with a storm that brings the characters together... God and their history take care of the rest. 

4. Ice: Ice is treacherous. I had a really good ice storm scene as a book opening for Love Inspired and it got axed a few years back (see? I get stuff rejected, too... and it's made me tougher. Stronger. And more aware of my individual audiences) The deadliness of ice, the lack of control, the furor and weight of an ice storm is probably best applied in small doses... :) 

5. Visibility: Snow isn't rain. Driving rainstorms thin your vision field and can be awful.... That's another blog, though. Heavy snow can obliterate all of your senses except touch. It can deaden hearing, blind vision, mask smells and there is nothing to taste in a snowstorm unless you bite your lip in fear, and then the metallic taste of your self-imposed wound becomes a reminder to stay calm... or as calm as you can.

Mary sent me a great excerpt from her wonderful book "A Reluctant Warrior", and between the fire and the snow and the fire's effect on the snow, it's a gripping scene. If you read the Wishing Bridge opening scene... and Mary's scene... and take the time to watch those two episode links (and you might have to buy the opening episode of "The Last American Cowboy". I bought the whole series so I can use it for reference writing Westerns and cowboys... it's been invaluable.) you'll have immersed yourself in the realities of snow and how a brilliant scene doesn't just draw a reader in... it leaves them longing for more. And maybe-- just maybe-- they'll skip the fireworks to read your book.

EXCERPT FROM THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR by Mary Connealy 

Ruthy asked me to write about snow. This scene (I’ve cut a few chunks out of a much longer scene) was one I brainstormed with a couple of my kids. I needed my characters in danger and had decided to have a villain burn their house down.

Except, shame on me, I decided that wasn’t enough.

I wanted to talk about how dangerous fire was and one of the kids (or several talking together) said yes, fire is dangerous but how much worse would it be in the bitter cold during a blizzard. And out of that came this scene. Heavy, powdery snow like they get on the ski slopes buried the house. Then comes the fire, digging yourself out through doors and windows that are buried deep.

And blazing fire melts the snow into ice and you’re soaked in ice water, surrounded by deep snow.

One of the things I loved about this was the fire that was trying to kill them, is now desperately needed to survive. And the snow that was freezing them, is now an insulator on the bunkhouse still standing that helps them warm the building and save them.

It’s all how a matter of degrees…in this case, blazing hot and brutally cold degrees.

Here the best of the snow and cold from the scene I wrote.

The Reluctant Warrior 

[Cam set his children] down, sick about leaving them in the bitter water and ice. But he had to get everyone else out. He had to. These four out here were soaked now. Him, too. Cold, with wet clothes was as deadly as fire, though a slower way to die.

>>>>

Fire danced up the back of Slim’s coat. Cam juggled Gwen to free a hand and rip the coat off the youngster. Cam slammed the coat on the ground to extinguish it. Then he caught Slim by the arm, still hanging onto Gwen, and dragged them all forward. He collapsed in the ice water, now sooty and blackened. 

There was sudden shouting and hands pounded on him. Someone screamed. In the yelling, he heard, “Your hair’s on fire!”

Gwen was gone from him. Cam was pushed face first into the icy slush, then rolled onto his back. Through the daze, Cam swatted at the attack. Hadn’t he been hurt enough?

All the grappling hands turned him onto his front and his own coat was torn away. Trace grabbed snow in both hands and plowed it into the back of Cam’s head.

Then he was back on his feet, shivering violently, even with the blazing cabin at his back. He was soaked front and back in ice water. A stiff breeze froze his fingers and face, the rest of his body chilled with shocking speed.

And he looked at the whirlwind of hurt and scared people. In all the action, Penny and Gwen lay motionless. Then Penny coughed. It was deep and sounded painful but it was a sign of life.

Trace hauled Cam to his feet. “Your hair, your coat, most of your back was on fire.”

Cam’s blue army coat was shoved back in his hands and he pulled it on, even though it was as wet and cold as he was.

He realized no one from the cabin had a coat.

The men from the bunk house had grabbed coats. Everyone on Trace’s ranch slept fully clothed and kept their boots on to battle the cold. But the men in the bunkhouse had grabbed their coats. No one from the cabin was given a chance.

“We have to get the children warm.” Adam turned toward the bunkhouse, then turned back. “We put the fire out in there.” 

Cam’s eyes went to Maddy Sue (his daughter) shivering. Water dripped from her clothes. Ronnie was soaking wet. Maddy Sue wrapped her arms around her little three-year-old body, shaking, crying. Cam met Slim’s eyes, judged the boy to be fully alert, picked up Gwen and handed her over. 

“Get her inside. She hasn’t shown any sign of waking up, not even coughing.” She was alive though. He felt her breathing. He felt her warm in his arms.

Ruthy here: Connealy did a brilliant job of showing how nature and elements TRY TO KILL US!!!! But if we keep our wits about us, and react (very physics friendly, we need an "equal and opposite" reaction to be able to save ourselves!!!) in the best ways, we can live. Or people die and we have heart-gripping backstory that haunts  heroes and heroines for years to come.

Either way works... and if you tell it right, it's a scene your readers will never forget.

I know you can do this. I know it takes work and word choice and scene speed, and all those little things that separate the men from the boys... but I have faith in you. Do your research. Write, write and rewrite... Make 'em feel every step of the way. I trust you.

You've got this.

We've got a couple of books to give away today... but you've got to tell us you want them! The book will most likely include a winter storm! :) Leave a comment about winter below... and we'll be checking in throughout the day. Ruthy has two kids all day today (remote learning) and a 9:00 meeting, but she'll mosey over here... And Mary will check in off-and-on, too... And thanks for stopping by Seekerville. You and your success mean so much to us! 

Mary is tossing a copy of The Reluctant Warrior and Ruthy is giving away a copy of Wishing Bridge... a total score for two wonderful people! If you already have one or both, tell us.... You know we'll take care of you!

Mary and Ruthy have been friends for about 18 years now, maybe more, once Mary forgave Ruthy for giving her a Bad Score in a writing contest.... and then they came face-to-face and Ruthy had to admit it, and cry and whine and beg forgiveness (okay, you know that never happened, Ruthy succinctly told Mary why she tried to ruin Mary's career before it even got launched, and she takes full responsibility and credit for Mary's amazing success.) Yep. That seems more likely. 

                

Find Mary's website here...

Ruthy's website here....

Friend and annoy them on Facebook and they do love it when folks buy their books. Links for The Reluctant Warrior and Welcome to Wishing Bridge are below: (in case you missed them as you skimmed, darlings!) 

BUY THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR HERE

BUY WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE HERE