Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 86
June 16, 2020
Suspense à la Snoopy
By Debby Giusti
It was a dark and stormy night. Anyone familiar with Charles M. Schulz’s cartoon strip, Peanuts, will recall the opening line of Snoopy’s Great American Novel. Although his writing career never blossomed, the lovable pooch understood the importance of establishing the setting at the beginning of his book. Take a dark and stormy night, add rumbling thunder and bolts of lightning that expose an old Victorian house badly in need of repair and you’ve got a suspense story waiting to be written.
Any author worth her weight in copy paper knows the importance of anchoring the reader at the onset of the story. In a suspense novel, time of day, weather, location and a mix of details hand selected by the writer weave together into a chilling setting that keeps the reader turning the page. Take the unsuspecting hero and heroine from their ordinary world and drop them smack dab in the middle of an escalating problem–whether man made or an act of God—to build reader anticipation and drive home the point that something sinister is about to happen.
Blue skies and sunshine are saved until the end when everything works out. After all, the hero and heroine deserve a happily ever after. By the close of the book, they’ve survived a series of life-threatening dangers in an ominous setting that grows worse on every page.
My April 2020 release, Dangerous Amish Inheritance, opens with a brutal attack on an Amish widow who tries to protect her two sons. Torrential rain adds to the drama as storms roll through the isolated mountain town where the story unfolds. A rising river and a killer on the loose up the suspense and, hopefully, keep the reader engaged in the story.
The setting for Amish Christmas Search (October 2020) stretches from a Florida beach community to an historic Georgia town as the Amish hero and heroine try to elude a wealthy killer’s security guards. They’re on the run, but a clock is ticking and a woman will die if they can’t get to her in time.
My current work-in-progress, Hidden Amish Secrets, includes winding mountain roads, falling rocks, an abandoned Amish farmhouse and lots of secrets to keep the reader guessing about why Amish men are dying in Mountain Loft, Georgia.
Whether hurricanes, tornadoes or torrential rains, a mountain cabin or Amish farmhouse, high noon or midnight, a well-crafted combination of details sets the stage in which a story can unfold. In a suspense novel, that setting needs to be filled with intrigue and fraught with peril to draw the reader into the danger and keep her on the edge of her seat until The End.
As a reader, what draws you into a story, whether suspense or straight romance? Writers, what tips can you share about setting the scene for your stories? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for Dangerous Amish Inheritance.
Happy reading! Happy writing!
Wishing you abundant blessings,Debby Giustiwww.DebbyGiusti.com
Dangerous Amish InheritanceBy Debby Giusti“Move off the mountain. No one wants you here.”Can this Amish widow survive her dangerous stalker?
Someone wants Ruthie Eicher off Amish Mountain…enough to terrorize the widow and her boys. Now Ruthie must rely on her former sweetheart, Noah Schlabach—the secret father of her eldest son—as they figure out why. But Noah has turned his back on love and the Amish way of life. Can he shield Ruthie…without breaking her heart again?
Order HERE!
June 15, 2020
How Much Conflict is Too Much? You Need to Be the Judge
You know, if you put all of this into a book...
Everything that's happened since New Year's Day....
And submitted it to an editor, they'd politely refuse to publish and remind you that your conflict was over-the-top and advise you to focus your story on a more realistic situation unless you're writing a dystopian novel, in which case, they're the wrong publisher anyway.
:)
When life throws more at you than a book allows, how do you pick and choose what goes into the book?
Carefully!
If you've ever read a book that just hammers a protagonist repeatedly and wanted to throw it across the room because the conflicts were conflicts-of-convenience rather than organic, that's kind of 2020 to a "T", isn't it? Enough already!
And Mother Nature can keep her stupid Murder Hornets to herself, thank you very much.
Picking and choosing what chaos, problems you're going to include in a contemporary or historical is clutch. You can have a classic family or town problem and all of its internal and external effect... crime, infidelity, divorce, death, illness, etc and show the ripple effect as it progresses outward, and then throw in a storm (pick one that fits the time of year) or a medical emergency (a train derailment, all hands on deck, a major crash on an interstate, food poisoning at a local wedding venue) or something major, and then the spillover of your major problem.... But if you pile it all on, creating a full-on quagmire of 2020 style problems, it borders on disbelief, even though we're living it.
Why?
Because it's so far beyond the norm that it might not connect with the reader.
Writing a novel is a lot like planning a wedding dinner, beginning with the appetizer:
Pick two: Stuffed mushrooms, Shrimp-and-artichoke spread on Bagel Crisps, meat and cheese tray with crackers, lobster puffs, mini-quiches
Two many appetizers and the meal is wasted.
When you begin your novel, you don't necessarily have to have it all plotted out. But you do need to Aim For The End.
As you weave your story blanket, all threads need to progress across the grain and end up at the same place.
And that's the tangle of adding in too many conflicts. How can you do justice to the ongoing cause-and-effect if everything's in a knot?
I've seen good authors miss the boat on this and I see lots of new authors go both ways... way too much unrelated conflict and too little conflict, tied together with a loose structure of words/scenes bare of emotion.
Give yourself the fun of writing but don't be afraid to tackle into the deep subjects and then the willingness to edit like crazy to make it work, to tie those threads, and if 2020 pushes you to add too many toppings, either resist the urge...
Or possibly write the Next Big Thing. :)
Just be willing to do the work to make it shine from beginning to end.
Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne lives on a pumpkin farm in WNY that welcomes fairies and/or faeries to her gardens and trees so that children can look up-- or down-- and smile. :) With almost sixty published books to her credit, she's loving the opportunities she's been given and loves to encourage others to keep forging ahead. Don't give up! You can friend her on Facebook, email her at loganherne@gmail.com or visit her website ruthloganherne.com.
Everything that's happened since New Year's Day....
And submitted it to an editor, they'd politely refuse to publish and remind you that your conflict was over-the-top and advise you to focus your story on a more realistic situation unless you're writing a dystopian novel, in which case, they're the wrong publisher anyway.
:)
When life throws more at you than a book allows, how do you pick and choose what goes into the book?
Carefully!
If you've ever read a book that just hammers a protagonist repeatedly and wanted to throw it across the room because the conflicts were conflicts-of-convenience rather than organic, that's kind of 2020 to a "T", isn't it? Enough already!
And Mother Nature can keep her stupid Murder Hornets to herself, thank you very much.
Picking and choosing what chaos, problems you're going to include in a contemporary or historical is clutch. You can have a classic family or town problem and all of its internal and external effect... crime, infidelity, divorce, death, illness, etc and show the ripple effect as it progresses outward, and then throw in a storm (pick one that fits the time of year) or a medical emergency (a train derailment, all hands on deck, a major crash on an interstate, food poisoning at a local wedding venue) or something major, and then the spillover of your major problem.... But if you pile it all on, creating a full-on quagmire of 2020 style problems, it borders on disbelief, even though we're living it.
Why?
Because it's so far beyond the norm that it might not connect with the reader.
Writing a novel is a lot like planning a wedding dinner, beginning with the appetizer:
Pick two: Stuffed mushrooms, Shrimp-and-artichoke spread on Bagel Crisps, meat and cheese tray with crackers, lobster puffs, mini-quiches
Two many appetizers and the meal is wasted.
When you begin your novel, you don't necessarily have to have it all plotted out. But you do need to Aim For The End.
As you weave your story blanket, all threads need to progress across the grain and end up at the same place.
And that's the tangle of adding in too many conflicts. How can you do justice to the ongoing cause-and-effect if everything's in a knot?
I've seen good authors miss the boat on this and I see lots of new authors go both ways... way too much unrelated conflict and too little conflict, tied together with a loose structure of words/scenes bare of emotion.
Give yourself the fun of writing but don't be afraid to tackle into the deep subjects and then the willingness to edit like crazy to make it work, to tie those threads, and if 2020 pushes you to add too many toppings, either resist the urge...
Or possibly write the Next Big Thing. :)
Just be willing to do the work to make it shine from beginning to end.
Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne lives on a pumpkin farm in WNY that welcomes fairies and/or faeries to her gardens and trees so that children can look up-- or down-- and smile. :) With almost sixty published books to her credit, she's loving the opportunities she's been given and loves to encourage others to keep forging ahead. Don't give up! You can friend her on Facebook, email her at loganherne@gmail.com or visit her website ruthloganherne.com.
June 13, 2020
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
The Last Supper, Juan de Juanes, c. 1562. [US-PD]
Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;whoever eats this bread will live forever;and the bread that I will giveis my flesh for the life of the world."The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"Jesus said to them,"Amen, amen, I say to you,unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,you do not have life within you.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodhas eternal life,and I will raise him on the last day.For my flesh is true food,and my blood is true drink.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodremains in me and I in him.Just as the living Father sent meand I have life because of the Father,so also the one who feeds on mewill have life because of me.This is the bread that came down from heaven.Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,whoever eats this bread will live forever."John 6:51-58
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 this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
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.
The Last Supper, Juan de Juanes, c. 1562. [US-PD]Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;whoever eats this bread will live forever;and the bread that I will giveis my flesh for the life of the world."The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"Jesus said to them,"Amen, amen, I say to you,unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,you do not have life within you.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodhas eternal life,and I will raise him on the last day.For my flesh is true food,and my blood is true drink.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodremains in me and I in him.Just as the living Father sent meand I have life because of the Father,so also the one who feeds on mewill have life because of me.This is the bread that came down from heaven.Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,whoever eats this bread will live forever."John 6:51-58
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 this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
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.
June 12, 2020
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Missy Tippens shared a Back to Basics post from the Seekerville Archives! "Battling Through Your Manuscript...One Scene at a Time" showed how to mine your GMC chart and how to aim for the middle of your manuscript as ways to help when you're stuck.
Wednesday: Ruthy talked about creating a cover letter that counts.
Friday: Emilie at Create Explore Read stopped by to give us some pointers on making a marketing Splash on Instagram!
Monday: Jan Drexler is our hostess today.
Wednesday: USA TODAY Bestselling author Debby Giusti will be blogging and promises to host a drawing for her Publishers Weekly Bestseller, Dangerous Amish Inheritance. Be sure to stop by and join in the fun! Friday: Winnie Griggs is our hostess today.
COVER REVEAL!Braced for LoveBook #1 Brothers in Arms series
March 2021
Click to pre-order!
Debby Giusti and Jan Drexlerare featured in a FAMILY FICTION pollfeaturing Amish authors. To vote, click HERE!
#FaithPitch is coming! https://www.faithpitch.com/
For anyone who wants to participate, here are the details:
#FaithPitch, is a one-day Twitter pitch party for writers of Christian fiction and non-fiction looking for representation. Your 280-character pitch is for your completed, edited, ready-to-query manuscript. You must use our hashtag (#FaithPitch) and the age group tag, plus at least 1 genre tag. We have invited over 50+ agents and editors in the CBA market to participate by following the feed as their schedule permits. Hearts are for the industry pros only. If you receive a heart from an agent/editor, then you have the opportunity to query them per their guidelines.
The next #FaithPitch is June 25, 2020 from 8am to 8pm Central Time. Rachel Pelligrino, the creator of #FaithPitch will be there hosting and answering questions, but you can also follow the handle @Faith_Pitch to see tips and helpful information as well as search the #FaithPitch tag to see previous pitches and get a sense of the ones that rise to the top. This contest happens only on Twitter (btw-there are quite a few different events like this online) and just like a workshop or conference, it’s an extra tool to help connect unpublished writers with those in the industry. There’s more information on our website too: www.faithpitch.com .
Whether you’re an unrepresented writer, a literary agent, or publishing house editor, you are welcome to join us on June 25th. There will be another #FaithPitch on November 12.
A Fresh Approach to Summer and Writing by Katherine Raey at Learn How To Write A Novel
3 Ways to Share Your Writing with Traditional Publishers by Kris Maze at Writers In The Storm
Simplify Your Writing Life With These 10 Tips by Edie Melson at The Write Conversation
Character Introductions: Making The Right Impression by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers
June 11, 2020
Making a Marketing Splash on Instagram
by Emilie Hendryx
Hello! Annie here. Before we jump into what Emilie has to share with us, let me introduce her to you from my perspective a bit. I was first introduced to Emilie through her blog. I love her perspective and the variation she provides, mostly book related, but many times provide inspiration and encouragement as well. Her writing makes me smile and her instagram feed makes me drool. You can say I was a little fan girl of hers. Then when I met her in person, she is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Her smile brightens the room, and her talent speaks for itself. She has high klout in the world of bookish marketing and her merchandise shop is a bookish fan favorite. Nowadays, I'm happy to introduce her as a wonderful friend.
Image Credit: Emily Hendryx @createexploreread
I started my Instagram page, CreateExploreRead, in 2016. I had also started a Society6 shop (an online platform that allows designers to upload their art and sell items printed with it). It was an exciting time and I started crafting images of books and my art on items such as mugs, totes, and pillowcases.
The more I dipped my toes into the world of Instagram and books (aka: #bookstagram), the more I started to shift what I wanted my page to represent. As we see in all forms of art, writing included, you grow as your knowledge grows.
I started creating more ‘artsy’ photos, included more books, and started only using my Nikon camera to take pictures (instead of my iPhone) all in an effort to create quality content. The main goal? Grow a platform of followers that not only wanted to purchase from my Society6 and Etsy shops, but also an audience that would one day support me by buying a published book.
While I’m still working on the book aspect (as I’m out on submission right now) I have found a way to build a solid platform without having a book (as of yet)! We know that, in today’s publishing world, platform is paramount, so I’d like to give you eight tips: 4 dos and 4 don’ts, when it comes to marketing your book on Instagram.
4 Things NOT to do on Instagram
Don’t…Only post about your book – It can be tempting to want to market your work all the time, but I’d suggest finding a balance. Talk about your books, but maybe only post photos of them every 3-5 images. You can still talk about your writing process in your captions, but use that time to post about books you love and help support other writers.Ghost your followers – What I mean by this is don’t start an Instagram page hoping to gain followers and then never post! It’s a missed opportunity for (free) marketing. I know it can take a lot of time to create images, think of captions, and engage, but I truly believe Instagram is one of the best marketing platforms for books.Be selfish – Sounds a little harsh, but I have seen many accounts where the author is only posting because of what they can get out of Instagram. That’s not how it works. Instagram works best when you interact with other readers. It takes time, but it’s worthwhile.Leave creativity out of it – I realize not everyone is a professional photographer, but there are some tricks to taking good photos. One thing I can recommend is using a filter (you can use one in Instagram or another app) but find one that you like and apply it to all of your photos. You may need to adjust brightness levels or contrast, but this will give your photos an extra touch of professionalism and continuity that gives your account a more curated feel.
Image Credit: Emily Hendryx @createexploreread
4 Things TO do on Instagram
Do…Post about your book – While this may seem in direct contrast to my previous point, I think some readers-turned-authors forget that their Instagram is a platform for promoting their own work too. We get so excited about the books we’re reading it can be hard to post about our own work, but that’s important as well. As I said above: it’s about balance.Give helpful content in your captions – Captions are becoming more and more important to those on Instagram. When you write something, consider its value. A lot of the time people will save an image (using the flag under the bottom right of the image) because of the content you’ve put in the caption. This helps you in the algorithm and raises the value of your page. If you’re published, you already have tips that aspiring writers want to know. Consider sharing them in your captions!Post about books! – It may seem silly, and I’m not saying your whole account must be books, but readers love seeing images of books. Trust me, it’s a thing! It’s also a good way to support fellow authors.Be genuine – I say this every time I talk, but it is crucial that you be genuine in your captions, interactions, and direct messages with readers. Their interactions with you will translate to how they support you and your books.
Treat your followers as friends while writing amazing books and they’ll spread your stories far and wide. I can’t think of better marketing than that!
_________________
Emilie is a freelance writer, photographer, and graphic designer living in Northern California. She’s a member of ACFW and writes Young Adult fiction. She’s got a soft spot in her heart for animals and a love for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. In her spare time, you can find her designing fun, bookish items for her Etsy and Society6 shops all while drinking too much coffee.
Blog: www.eahendryx.blogspot.comFB: www.facebook.com/emiliehendryxGoodreads: www.goodreads.com/eahendryxInstagram: www.instagram.com/createexploreread
Hello! Annie here. Before we jump into what Emilie has to share with us, let me introduce her to you from my perspective a bit. I was first introduced to Emilie through her blog. I love her perspective and the variation she provides, mostly book related, but many times provide inspiration and encouragement as well. Her writing makes me smile and her instagram feed makes me drool. You can say I was a little fan girl of hers. Then when I met her in person, she is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Her smile brightens the room, and her talent speaks for itself. She has high klout in the world of bookish marketing and her merchandise shop is a bookish fan favorite. Nowadays, I'm happy to introduce her as a wonderful friend.
Image Credit: Emily Hendryx @createexplorereadI started my Instagram page, CreateExploreRead, in 2016. I had also started a Society6 shop (an online platform that allows designers to upload their art and sell items printed with it). It was an exciting time and I started crafting images of books and my art on items such as mugs, totes, and pillowcases.
The more I dipped my toes into the world of Instagram and books (aka: #bookstagram), the more I started to shift what I wanted my page to represent. As we see in all forms of art, writing included, you grow as your knowledge grows.
I started creating more ‘artsy’ photos, included more books, and started only using my Nikon camera to take pictures (instead of my iPhone) all in an effort to create quality content. The main goal? Grow a platform of followers that not only wanted to purchase from my Society6 and Etsy shops, but also an audience that would one day support me by buying a published book.
While I’m still working on the book aspect (as I’m out on submission right now) I have found a way to build a solid platform without having a book (as of yet)! We know that, in today’s publishing world, platform is paramount, so I’d like to give you eight tips: 4 dos and 4 don’ts, when it comes to marketing your book on Instagram.
4 Things NOT to do on Instagram
Don’t…Only post about your book – It can be tempting to want to market your work all the time, but I’d suggest finding a balance. Talk about your books, but maybe only post photos of them every 3-5 images. You can still talk about your writing process in your captions, but use that time to post about books you love and help support other writers.Ghost your followers – What I mean by this is don’t start an Instagram page hoping to gain followers and then never post! It’s a missed opportunity for (free) marketing. I know it can take a lot of time to create images, think of captions, and engage, but I truly believe Instagram is one of the best marketing platforms for books.Be selfish – Sounds a little harsh, but I have seen many accounts where the author is only posting because of what they can get out of Instagram. That’s not how it works. Instagram works best when you interact with other readers. It takes time, but it’s worthwhile.Leave creativity out of it – I realize not everyone is a professional photographer, but there are some tricks to taking good photos. One thing I can recommend is using a filter (you can use one in Instagram or another app) but find one that you like and apply it to all of your photos. You may need to adjust brightness levels or contrast, but this will give your photos an extra touch of professionalism and continuity that gives your account a more curated feel.
Image Credit: Emily Hendryx @createexploreread4 Things TO do on Instagram
Do…Post about your book – While this may seem in direct contrast to my previous point, I think some readers-turned-authors forget that their Instagram is a platform for promoting their own work too. We get so excited about the books we’re reading it can be hard to post about our own work, but that’s important as well. As I said above: it’s about balance.Give helpful content in your captions – Captions are becoming more and more important to those on Instagram. When you write something, consider its value. A lot of the time people will save an image (using the flag under the bottom right of the image) because of the content you’ve put in the caption. This helps you in the algorithm and raises the value of your page. If you’re published, you already have tips that aspiring writers want to know. Consider sharing them in your captions!Post about books! – It may seem silly, and I’m not saying your whole account must be books, but readers love seeing images of books. Trust me, it’s a thing! It’s also a good way to support fellow authors.Be genuine – I say this every time I talk, but it is crucial that you be genuine in your captions, interactions, and direct messages with readers. Their interactions with you will translate to how they support you and your books.
Treat your followers as friends while writing amazing books and they’ll spread your stories far and wide. I can’t think of better marketing than that!
_________________
Emilie is a freelance writer, photographer, and graphic designer living in Northern California. She’s a member of ACFW and writes Young Adult fiction. She’s got a soft spot in her heart for animals and a love for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. In her spare time, you can find her designing fun, bookish items for her Etsy and Society6 shops all while drinking too much coffee.
Blog: www.eahendryx.blogspot.comFB: www.facebook.com/emiliehendryxGoodreads: www.goodreads.com/eahendryxInstagram: www.instagram.com/createexploreread
June 9, 2020
Creating a Cover Letter That Creates Interest: A Back to Basics Post
Good morning, Seekerville! Ruthy here. I initiated this post, but read it through because at the end I've got additional ideas from several other Seekers.... and these are women who get the job done. Every aspect of writing is important. Sure.... your manuscript is clutch. But that's only the first step, my friends. So here's another "bead" in the intricately woven necklace of publishing.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is your letter of introduction to the editor/agent/publisher you're approaching, a missive whose purpose is to capture enough of their interest that they pause to read your manuscript.
When I began writing, everything was done by snail mail. EVERYTHING. And editors would have months of big envelopes in their offices, piled high, waiting for their turn in the queue. And am I the only person on the planet that sees this wretched word "queue" and wonders first:
Whose idea was it to invent a word like this???? (Britain)
And why isn't it pronounced "quay" like so many French words because it looks French, right? Parquet? Croquet?
But that's a different day's convo. Today we're talking cover letters and I'll enjoy having other Seekers and authors offer their opinions.
Assuming you've done your homework and researched who is looking for what... and honestly on Facebook and Twitter they're often having Looking For The Next Big Thing-type parties to see who "hearts" this and that... So that gives you an idea. Assuming that, now you want your letter to reflect the professional's needs/desires/wishes.... if she or he wants thriller fiction and you send them sweet romance, you are dead in the water, so let's make this first part a checklist:
1. The publisher publishes things similar to what you write
2. The editor doesn't hate you
3. The editor works with authors you really like
4. The agent is accepting new clients or avidly looking
5. The agent actually works for the clients, not simply lip service
6. You've actually worked & re-worked and edited and done your best on your manuscript.
7. You've checked the website for guidelines and followed them
Okay, now you're ready to move on to your cover letter via email, snail mail, etc.
Here's how I wrote killer cover letters, and I'm not bragging to say that nearly 60 books later, I'm not afraid to grab an editor's/agent's/publisher's attention because I want that foot in the door.
Ms. Senior Editor
My Most Wanted Publisher
Nashville, TN 37207
Dear Ms. Editor, (Romantic suspense version)
He spent a decade fighting for a truth that turned out to be a lie, a lie so deeply entrenched that he may never see daylight again, a lie that not only means his life-- but hers.
(Notice I didn't introduce myself.... if she loves this/me/the concept, she'll find out the rest later. It will matter then. It's of little consequence right now)
Dear Ms. Editor, (Romance version)
He'd promised her father he'd die for her and that might be exactly what happens, so why did he have to fall in love with her first?
Dear Ms. Editor, (Young Adult/Futuristic/Must Kill the World Version)
His actions didn't just send a message. They catapulted a realm of destruction into being, a destruction so final that he couldn't possibly save his life... but he was determined to save hers.
Opening with a killer/wonderful/gripping tagline is a great way to gain attention.
Then your job is to keep it.
If your agent/editor/publisher has a certain way they like cover letters and says so, then follow their lead... but most don't do that anymore. I think. It's not like I'm out there looking, guys, so it's always good to check their blogs, posts, etc.
But aside from that, here's what I'd go with.
1. Tagline and make it count. Practice by writing taglines for hit movies/books. Then if you can't write one for your story, it might mean the story lacks depth, so you should address that first.
2. Brief synopsis, back-cover blurb style. If you have two versions (I usually do) use the shorter one. You want this to be a one page wonder, resist the urge to drone on about how he really was misunderstood as a child and wanted to help his mother (Michael Westen, Burn Notice) because that backstory will come out in a well-written book & synopsis. (Link to Writing a synopsis, read blog & very useful comments)
3. Appreciation for author/agent/publisher (keep it specific to the person you're approaching) showing why you're approaching them, why you're impressed by them, why it's a good fit. Here's an example:
"As a woman who was originally inspired by Catherine Marshall's "Christy", I was drawn to your recent release of Jan Drexler's "Roll of the Drums" and Mary Connealy's "Aiming for Love". Set in 1874 Nebraska, "Risking Her Heart" pits a spinster school teacher against rugged conditions as she keeps six orphaned children alive through a season of raging blizzards. When a drunken hero wanders along, Marie can either shoot him or help him, and that's only one of a series of tough decisions she's going to make that season."
4. Who is your competition for shelf space in bookstores, Walmart, or on mass market paperback shelves? You don't want to compete with the publisher's authors or eat into their market share, so pick authors from other publishers to show where your story will harvest likely readers. Editors and marketing want to visualize how your work is going to gain ground for the publisher's sales figures. Don't fool yourself that heart outranks numbers. That's generally an industry fiction. Publishers need to make money. So do you. Show them why your story will stand its ground vs. other publishers' historical offerings.
5. Close with a brief author bio. "MIT graduate Aspiring Author abandons the geekiness of her "Big Bang Theory" real life to immerse herself in her first love, historical fiction, as often as she can. Her work has won or finaled in multiple romance contests including (list wins/finals here), she has an interactive blog with over a thousand followers and a Facebook presence with over two thousand friends, offering her a great launch spot for her beautiful Western fiction series."
I'm going to leave this here and invite other authors to add whatever advice they'd like to in the comments.
Remember that you often get ONE PARAGRAPH (according to an agent panel at a major conference) to catch the target's interest.
Make it count.
And here are some thoughts from bestselling Bethany House author Mary Connealy:
Cover letter advice.
If at all possible, find out the name of the acquiring editor and target that person specifically. Better to say, "Dear Dave Long," Than Dear Bethany House Acquiring editor.
This is a whole lot easier now than it was before the internet when I started. Oh, there was internet, I just didn't have it. I started writing BEFORE GOOGLE.
Targeted cover letters: This also applies to sending the letter to the right publisher. Market research can be done online, find the right publisher for YOUR BOOK. No matter how great your book, Love Inspired is not going to publish your 100,000 word cozy mystery. You can also do this by going to a book store, finding similar books and finding out who published those books.
Sound familiar? And here are Erica Vetsch's thoughts on cover letters:
I think of them as a four paragraph essay.
1. Opening greeting that says what you are doing: My name is ______ and I am the author of ____________ that I am submitting for your consideration.
2. Describe the project. __________ is a ___________ word novel that tells the story of _______ who wants ________ but __________ is preventing her from getting it.
3. Your bona fides. Tell why you're qualified to write this story. List writing credentials, professional organizations, awards, etc. I am a ______ Best selling author of _________ books, a member of ________ and winner of ___________. Or, if you don't have any books published yet, I am an active member of __________ writing organization, and have finished _________ manuscripts.
4. The wrap up that tells your expectations. I hope you enjoy ______________, and I look forward to hearing from you. The full manuscript of ___________ is available upon request.
Then thank them again and sign off. :)
And there you have it, authors. Once you have an agent, or a group of editors, you don't have to write many of these.... maybe none. But you'll always have to have the chutzpah to put yourself out there via your synopsis and/or bio so writing this letter, presenting yourself is huge.
And a momentary but wonderful commercial announcement!!!!
The first book of my North Country Romance series releases as an indie on Friday! Preorder is available, this whole series will be released this summer for $1.99 each and I'm so excited to give them this new exposure! PREORDER LINK HERE!!!!
Multi-published, USA Today bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne has nearly sixty published novels and novellas and admittedly loves to write about as much as she loves coffee and chocolate. Her unforgettable characters touch hearts and souls because Ruthy loves to write real people... the kind you live near, the kind you pass on the street or sit next to in church (when you're not socially distant, of course!!), people that embrace the race that knows Joseph. Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, visit her website ruthloganherne.com or friend her on Facebook where she loves to talk to readers and writers. You can also see the other side of Ruthy and four other Seekers at the Yankee Belle Cafe where five delightful authors share their time, homes, thoughts, ideas and recipes with readers weekly!
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is your letter of introduction to the editor/agent/publisher you're approaching, a missive whose purpose is to capture enough of their interest that they pause to read your manuscript.
When I began writing, everything was done by snail mail. EVERYTHING. And editors would have months of big envelopes in their offices, piled high, waiting for their turn in the queue. And am I the only person on the planet that sees this wretched word "queue" and wonders first:
Whose idea was it to invent a word like this???? (Britain)
And why isn't it pronounced "quay" like so many French words because it looks French, right? Parquet? Croquet?
But that's a different day's convo. Today we're talking cover letters and I'll enjoy having other Seekers and authors offer their opinions.
Assuming you've done your homework and researched who is looking for what... and honestly on Facebook and Twitter they're often having Looking For The Next Big Thing-type parties to see who "hearts" this and that... So that gives you an idea. Assuming that, now you want your letter to reflect the professional's needs/desires/wishes.... if she or he wants thriller fiction and you send them sweet romance, you are dead in the water, so let's make this first part a checklist:
1. The publisher publishes things similar to what you write
2. The editor doesn't hate you
3. The editor works with authors you really like
4. The agent is accepting new clients or avidly looking
5. The agent actually works for the clients, not simply lip service
6. You've actually worked & re-worked and edited and done your best on your manuscript.
7. You've checked the website for guidelines and followed them
Okay, now you're ready to move on to your cover letter via email, snail mail, etc.
Here's how I wrote killer cover letters, and I'm not bragging to say that nearly 60 books later, I'm not afraid to grab an editor's/agent's/publisher's attention because I want that foot in the door.
Ms. Senior Editor
My Most Wanted Publisher
Nashville, TN 37207
Dear Ms. Editor, (Romantic suspense version)
He spent a decade fighting for a truth that turned out to be a lie, a lie so deeply entrenched that he may never see daylight again, a lie that not only means his life-- but hers.
(Notice I didn't introduce myself.... if she loves this/me/the concept, she'll find out the rest later. It will matter then. It's of little consequence right now)
Dear Ms. Editor, (Romance version)
He'd promised her father he'd die for her and that might be exactly what happens, so why did he have to fall in love with her first?
Dear Ms. Editor, (Young Adult/Futuristic/Must Kill the World Version)
His actions didn't just send a message. They catapulted a realm of destruction into being, a destruction so final that he couldn't possibly save his life... but he was determined to save hers.
Opening with a killer/wonderful/gripping tagline is a great way to gain attention.
Then your job is to keep it.
If your agent/editor/publisher has a certain way they like cover letters and says so, then follow their lead... but most don't do that anymore. I think. It's not like I'm out there looking, guys, so it's always good to check their blogs, posts, etc.
But aside from that, here's what I'd go with.
1. Tagline and make it count. Practice by writing taglines for hit movies/books. Then if you can't write one for your story, it might mean the story lacks depth, so you should address that first.
2. Brief synopsis, back-cover blurb style. If you have two versions (I usually do) use the shorter one. You want this to be a one page wonder, resist the urge to drone on about how he really was misunderstood as a child and wanted to help his mother (Michael Westen, Burn Notice) because that backstory will come out in a well-written book & synopsis. (Link to Writing a synopsis, read blog & very useful comments)
3. Appreciation for author/agent/publisher (keep it specific to the person you're approaching) showing why you're approaching them, why you're impressed by them, why it's a good fit. Here's an example:
"As a woman who was originally inspired by Catherine Marshall's "Christy", I was drawn to your recent release of Jan Drexler's "Roll of the Drums" and Mary Connealy's "Aiming for Love". Set in 1874 Nebraska, "Risking Her Heart" pits a spinster school teacher against rugged conditions as she keeps six orphaned children alive through a season of raging blizzards. When a drunken hero wanders along, Marie can either shoot him or help him, and that's only one of a series of tough decisions she's going to make that season."
4. Who is your competition for shelf space in bookstores, Walmart, or on mass market paperback shelves? You don't want to compete with the publisher's authors or eat into their market share, so pick authors from other publishers to show where your story will harvest likely readers. Editors and marketing want to visualize how your work is going to gain ground for the publisher's sales figures. Don't fool yourself that heart outranks numbers. That's generally an industry fiction. Publishers need to make money. So do you. Show them why your story will stand its ground vs. other publishers' historical offerings.
5. Close with a brief author bio. "MIT graduate Aspiring Author abandons the geekiness of her "Big Bang Theory" real life to immerse herself in her first love, historical fiction, as often as she can. Her work has won or finaled in multiple romance contests including (list wins/finals here), she has an interactive blog with over a thousand followers and a Facebook presence with over two thousand friends, offering her a great launch spot for her beautiful Western fiction series."
I'm going to leave this here and invite other authors to add whatever advice they'd like to in the comments.
Remember that you often get ONE PARAGRAPH (according to an agent panel at a major conference) to catch the target's interest.
Make it count.
And here are some thoughts from bestselling Bethany House author Mary Connealy:
Cover letter advice.
If at all possible, find out the name of the acquiring editor and target that person specifically. Better to say, "Dear Dave Long," Than Dear Bethany House Acquiring editor.
This is a whole lot easier now than it was before the internet when I started. Oh, there was internet, I just didn't have it. I started writing BEFORE GOOGLE.
Targeted cover letters: This also applies to sending the letter to the right publisher. Market research can be done online, find the right publisher for YOUR BOOK. No matter how great your book, Love Inspired is not going to publish your 100,000 word cozy mystery. You can also do this by going to a book store, finding similar books and finding out who published those books.
Sound familiar? And here are Erica Vetsch's thoughts on cover letters:
I think of them as a four paragraph essay.
1. Opening greeting that says what you are doing: My name is ______ and I am the author of ____________ that I am submitting for your consideration.
2. Describe the project. __________ is a ___________ word novel that tells the story of _______ who wants ________ but __________ is preventing her from getting it.
3. Your bona fides. Tell why you're qualified to write this story. List writing credentials, professional organizations, awards, etc. I am a ______ Best selling author of _________ books, a member of ________ and winner of ___________. Or, if you don't have any books published yet, I am an active member of __________ writing organization, and have finished _________ manuscripts.
4. The wrap up that tells your expectations. I hope you enjoy ______________, and I look forward to hearing from you. The full manuscript of ___________ is available upon request.
Then thank them again and sign off. :)
And there you have it, authors. Once you have an agent, or a group of editors, you don't have to write many of these.... maybe none. But you'll always have to have the chutzpah to put yourself out there via your synopsis and/or bio so writing this letter, presenting yourself is huge.
And a momentary but wonderful commercial announcement!!!!
The first book of my North Country Romance series releases as an indie on Friday! Preorder is available, this whole series will be released this summer for $1.99 each and I'm so excited to give them this new exposure! PREORDER LINK HERE!!!!
Multi-published, USA Today bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne has nearly sixty published novels and novellas and admittedly loves to write about as much as she loves coffee and chocolate. Her unforgettable characters touch hearts and souls because Ruthy loves to write real people... the kind you live near, the kind you pass on the street or sit next to in church (when you're not socially distant, of course!!), people that embrace the race that knows Joseph. Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, visit her website ruthloganherne.com or friend her on Facebook where she loves to talk to readers and writers. You can also see the other side of Ruthy and four other Seekers at the Yankee Belle Cafe where five delightful authors share their time, homes, thoughts, ideas and recipes with readers weekly!June 7, 2020
Back to Basics: From the Seekerville Archives: Battling Through Your Manuscript...One Scene at a Time
This post first appeared in Seekerville on March 14, 2016
*********************************************************************
Battling Through Your Manuscript...Once Scene at a Time
By Missy Tippenswww.missytippens.com
Photo credit: Bigstock/Yastremska
Have you hit a wall? Do you often get to Chapter 4 or Chapter 5 and say, “What in the world is going to happen now????” Are you at the midpoint of Speedbo (the Seekerville book-in-a-month writing challenge) and having a moment of panic, wondering where your story is supposed to go?
I’ve been there with you, and I’m going to give you two methods that have helped me battle through.
1. Mine Your GMC Chart
If you’re stuck trying to figure out what’s going to happen in your next scenes and chapters, go back and take a peek at your Goal, Motivation and Conflict Chart (for more information, check out Debra Dixon’s book, Goal, Motivation and Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction). If you haven’t already considered your characters’ GMC, then take some time to figure this out. I’ve already done a couple of posts on this (Click hereand here.) Also, Tina Radcliffe once shared an example of her chart on her white board, so you can take a peek at that (click here.) [Note: many photos from our Archives blog are no longer available.]
So once you have your chart, look at each block on the chart. Brainstorm scene ideas that have to do with that particular block, scenes that will show that particular aspect of the character.
I thought I’d share an example. Below is my GMC chart and scene ideas cut and pasted directly out of my brainstorming file for the book that became The Doctor’s Second Chance from Love Inspired. (note: I = Internal and E=External, G = Goal, M = Motivation and C = Conflict)
*** Example: GMC Chart for The Doctor’s Second Chance (This changed a little while writing the full book and after critique.)
Jake:EG—Work hard and play hardEM—he’s enjoying his freedom; he deserves to have some fun after the responsibility that was thrust on him from a young age (parents’ death and aunt and uncle who worked all the time leaving him with brat cousin)EC—Cousin Remy has dumped a baby on him (and he goes back into responsible mode)Int need: secure family unit of his ownIM—deep need for security/belonging/connectionIC—He doesn’t believe that it’s possible so tries to act like it’s not important (instead goes for freedom and living in the moment—even dangerously)
Violet:EG—build her new practice and take care of childrenEM—she didn’t like impersonal large city practice/clinic and felt rootlessEC—it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone, and she’s an outsider so business is not picking up like she’d planned.Int need: connectionIG: Have kids by doctoring in a small town community IM: she gave up a child for adoption and thinks she’ll never have her own (thinks she doesn’t deserve it)IC: She really does want her own but is afraid to risk loving (maybe harbors bitterness toward parents who made her feel worthless for her huge mistake. Needs to forgive and let go to get rid of the bitterness)
Scene ideas: JakeEG—Work hard and play hard (although this is really a lie—he’s just a hard worker, and has always felt he needed to earn his way)Scenes that show him workingGets asked to go camping but can’t. Asked to go skydiving but can’t (first inkling of having someone to care about besides himself)Show in charge and strong in his job/contrast with lack of confidence with babyEM—he’s enjoying his freedom; he deserves to have some fun after the responsibility that was thrust on him from a young ageDiscussion with Remy so we know he took care of herComment from someone at church about him always being responsibleScene where he realizes the baby is like him—“deserted” by parentsEC—Remy has dumped a baby on him (and he goes back into responsible mode)Opening sceneScenes where it’s difficult to get work doneFish out of water scenesInt need: secure family unit of his ownFlashbacks/dialogue where we hear of him missing parents and family of his own—especially when Remy resented him.Showing him realizing he likes time with Violet and baby better than skydiving or time outdoors with friends (it gets easier to turn down offers of fun adventure)IM—security/belonging/connectionRealizes Violet is filling needs he didn’t know he hadDoesn’t feel like the 5th wheel with herIC—He doesn’t believe that it’s possible so tries to act like it’s not important (instead goes for freedom and living in the moment—even dangerously)Scene where he’s scared of how close he feels to Violet; feels vulnerable and doesn’t like it. Says he doesn’t need that closeness or someone to know him and makes plans to go skydiving, which V doesn’t like. (or does something else against her wishes on purpose to push her away)
Violet:EG—build her new practice and take care of childrenShe agrees to help Jake just because she’s helping a babyShe checks up on Abigail, worries for herTells him she did not rip off his family—tells him he doesn’t know detailsBegins to ask patients to spread the word that she’s goodEM—she didn’t like impersonal large city practice/clinic and felt rootlessShow her enjoying small town life—she sees advantages of being known, appreciates that others know her businessGoes to church and meets people; show first time she goes out and someone recognizes her, making her feel goodEC—it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone, and she’s an outsider so business is not picking up like she’d planned.Show her going to church and no one really knows her; she’s an outsiderPeople call her Doc, but she realizes they don’t really know her at all; there’s no one around who knows her likes and dislikes or about her past; they don’t know VioletInt need: connectionShe has struggled and fought her way through medical school and now has trouble opening up and being vulnerable with new friendsScene where she meets a new friend—in lab, Darcy, gets to know her better, feels she’s actually met a friend (could meet over the winning of the auction)First time she attends church since the auction—a few people remember her by that. It’s a small sense of connectionShe remembers that one time she went and decides to go back because of connection of the auction. It’s her only tie other than work.IG: Have kids by doctoring in a small town community Show her bonding with a patient; child reaches for her, which warms her heart. This could actually happen at church or in town so Jake witnesses it.IM: she gave up a child for adoption and thinks she’ll never have her own (thinks she doesn’t deserve it)Scene with Remy, can relate to feeling she’s not worthy.IC: She really does want her own (family/child) but is afraid to risk lovingScene where fear over loving Jake makes her want to give upRealizes she needs to call parents and make effort to healGoes to see parents, takes Jake/baby for moral support****
As you can see, I got a lot of scene ideas just from mining my GMC chart! If you’ve read the book, you may recognize some of these ideas that became scenes. (If you haven’t read The Doctor's Second Chance and want to, here’s a link!)
2. Know the Middle … And Then Aim for It
I love James Scott Bell’s book Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between . Since I bought the book, I’ve read it each time I’m plotting a new story to help with the scene ideas. (BTW, it’s a short book.) I’ve found that deciding on the mirror moment in the middle gives me something to aim for once I get past the opening chapters. So no more sagging middle! The basic premise of Bell’s how-to book is that once you know your mirror moment in the middle, that moment when the character takes a hard look at himself and wonders what kind of person he is, what he will do to overcome his inner challenges, then you can go forward to figure out the pre-story psychology or go backward to figure out how the character transforms by the end. Knowing this middle scene will help all the scenes have unity. And like I said, for me, it gives me something to aim for.
I thought I’d share another example. Again, this is from my brainstorming notes, directly cut and pasted, for the story that became The Doctor’s Second Chance . (Spoiler alert! I give away a lot here, all stuff I figured out before I finished writing the book.)
***Example: Midpoint Brainstorming for The Doctor’s Second ChanceStory Question:Will Jake be able to take care of this newborn and locate his cousin before Violet gets the court involved? Can Violet fulfill her goal of helping children without falling in love with the baby…and with Jake? Or might the two of them discover that family comes in all shapes and sizes?
Mid-point mirror moment:Jake: Is there really such thing as a secure family…this ideal little family bubble? For me? And if so, do I dare go for it? What if it got taken away? Show him taking a risky step: asking her out on a date. It’s a concrete move toward making them a unit.
Violet: Do I deserve to be happy? Can I really move forward and let go of the past? Show her admitting some weakness to him. Maybe she shares about rift with her family (but not why), how she’s felt she has to do everything herself. And then she opens up with how she needs him somehow (maybe she needs him to support her in town, by letting people know his opinion of her has changed). [but I’d kind of like him to do this on his own, and she discovers he’s done it because he cares. So maybe she doesn’t ask him to do that. Maybe she just opens up and shares her hurts.]
Pre-story psychology:Jake: Parents died, “abandoning” him. Aunt and uncle took him in but he always felt he needed to be good for them to keep him. That “being good” alienated his cousin, so he never felt part of the family. His aunt and uncle worked a lot, and he got stuck trying to keep Remy out of trouble since he felt like her destructive behavior was probably his fault. Once she ran off, he felt a sense of relief, of freedom. Has been working hard so he can play and enjoy that freedom. Thinks he has just what he wants. The baby being dropped on him limits that freedom, and he feels that renewed sense of guilt, as if he does owe her. Plus, he’s just naturally responsible.
Violet: Parents were socialites, valued what others thought of them, worried about appearances. Were often gone, lots of baby sitters. She fell for a guy who needed her, and got pregnant. Parents insisted she give up for adoption, would not consider helping her keep baby, claiming she couldn’t give up her lifelong goal to be a doctor. But she felt they were more worried about how it would make them look. She resented them. No relationship since, even though they’ve tried and dad has apologized (mom insists it was best for everyone). She has been independent, putting herself through school and medical school. Feels she was weak and failed her child. Decided she would help other children by becoming pediatrician. Didn’t like large clinic and impersonal medicine. Bought small town clinic to be part of patients’ lives.
Transformation:How can I show it?Both have had ideals of the perfect family that they never had. Have to learn to let go of that. Have to accept a new picture of what family means to them now that God has brought them together, and to let go of fear of the rug being yanked out from under them. Must learn to trust God instead of themselves (what I’m learning now).Jake: In the beginning, he’s still trying to be responsible and take care of others, finding it hard to ask for help. Connection is out of a sense of duty rather than out of love. Needs to extend love. Needs to accept love freely given. He doesn’t have to earn the right to be part of a family.To show his transformation…He’ll ask her to be his family (scary and risky but worth it). And he’ll ask it even while she’s still acting cool toward him, so it’s even riskier. He’ll do it with God’s strength (when he is weak, God is strong).
Violet: In the beginning, she’s independent and all business, only willing to reach out for the good of the child. She feels driven to work to deserve anything good that comes to her. She’s driving herself, fighting her nature to want closeness and family. She learns she doesn’t have to work hard to earn happiness just because of her past. Needs to accept love freely given. She is worthy of love, because God loves her just as she is.Or maybe what she thought she needed was control over her life when what she really needed was to give up control, to just accept love.To show her transformation…she’ll sleep in past sunrise. (maybe in epilogue? On honeymoon?)****
So you can see how I started by figuring out the middle. Then I backed up to figure out some backstory and scenes that will show it. Then I figured out how to concretely show the ending of the story with my characters in a new place emotionally.
I hope sharing my methods helps some of you! If you’re stuck, try brainstorming using these two methods. Come up with as many ideas as you can. You most likely won’t use them all, but you may find some nuggets that you end up loving! And at least you can keep moving forward on your first draft, even if you change some of it later.
*********************************************************************
Battling Through Your Manuscript...Once Scene at a Time
By Missy Tippenswww.missytippens.com
Photo credit: Bigstock/YastremskaHave you hit a wall? Do you often get to Chapter 4 or Chapter 5 and say, “What in the world is going to happen now????” Are you at the midpoint of Speedbo (the Seekerville book-in-a-month writing challenge) and having a moment of panic, wondering where your story is supposed to go?
I’ve been there with you, and I’m going to give you two methods that have helped me battle through.
1. Mine Your GMC Chart
If you’re stuck trying to figure out what’s going to happen in your next scenes and chapters, go back and take a peek at your Goal, Motivation and Conflict Chart (for more information, check out Debra Dixon’s book, Goal, Motivation and Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction). If you haven’t already considered your characters’ GMC, then take some time to figure this out. I’ve already done a couple of posts on this (Click hereand here.) Also, Tina Radcliffe once shared an example of her chart on her white board, so you can take a peek at that (click here.) [Note: many photos from our Archives blog are no longer available.]
So once you have your chart, look at each block on the chart. Brainstorm scene ideas that have to do with that particular block, scenes that will show that particular aspect of the character.
I thought I’d share an example. Below is my GMC chart and scene ideas cut and pasted directly out of my brainstorming file for the book that became The Doctor’s Second Chance from Love Inspired. (note: I = Internal and E=External, G = Goal, M = Motivation and C = Conflict)
*** Example: GMC Chart for The Doctor’s Second Chance (This changed a little while writing the full book and after critique.)
Jake:EG—Work hard and play hardEM—he’s enjoying his freedom; he deserves to have some fun after the responsibility that was thrust on him from a young age (parents’ death and aunt and uncle who worked all the time leaving him with brat cousin)EC—Cousin Remy has dumped a baby on him (and he goes back into responsible mode)Int need: secure family unit of his ownIM—deep need for security/belonging/connectionIC—He doesn’t believe that it’s possible so tries to act like it’s not important (instead goes for freedom and living in the moment—even dangerously)
Violet:EG—build her new practice and take care of childrenEM—she didn’t like impersonal large city practice/clinic and felt rootlessEC—it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone, and she’s an outsider so business is not picking up like she’d planned.Int need: connectionIG: Have kids by doctoring in a small town community IM: she gave up a child for adoption and thinks she’ll never have her own (thinks she doesn’t deserve it)IC: She really does want her own but is afraid to risk loving (maybe harbors bitterness toward parents who made her feel worthless for her huge mistake. Needs to forgive and let go to get rid of the bitterness)
Scene ideas: JakeEG—Work hard and play hard (although this is really a lie—he’s just a hard worker, and has always felt he needed to earn his way)Scenes that show him workingGets asked to go camping but can’t. Asked to go skydiving but can’t (first inkling of having someone to care about besides himself)Show in charge and strong in his job/contrast with lack of confidence with babyEM—he’s enjoying his freedom; he deserves to have some fun after the responsibility that was thrust on him from a young ageDiscussion with Remy so we know he took care of herComment from someone at church about him always being responsibleScene where he realizes the baby is like him—“deserted” by parentsEC—Remy has dumped a baby on him (and he goes back into responsible mode)Opening sceneScenes where it’s difficult to get work doneFish out of water scenesInt need: secure family unit of his ownFlashbacks/dialogue where we hear of him missing parents and family of his own—especially when Remy resented him.Showing him realizing he likes time with Violet and baby better than skydiving or time outdoors with friends (it gets easier to turn down offers of fun adventure)IM—security/belonging/connectionRealizes Violet is filling needs he didn’t know he hadDoesn’t feel like the 5th wheel with herIC—He doesn’t believe that it’s possible so tries to act like it’s not important (instead goes for freedom and living in the moment—even dangerously)Scene where he’s scared of how close he feels to Violet; feels vulnerable and doesn’t like it. Says he doesn’t need that closeness or someone to know him and makes plans to go skydiving, which V doesn’t like. (or does something else against her wishes on purpose to push her away)
Violet:EG—build her new practice and take care of childrenShe agrees to help Jake just because she’s helping a babyShe checks up on Abigail, worries for herTells him she did not rip off his family—tells him he doesn’t know detailsBegins to ask patients to spread the word that she’s goodEM—she didn’t like impersonal large city practice/clinic and felt rootlessShow her enjoying small town life—she sees advantages of being known, appreciates that others know her businessGoes to church and meets people; show first time she goes out and someone recognizes her, making her feel goodEC—it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone, and she’s an outsider so business is not picking up like she’d planned.Show her going to church and no one really knows her; she’s an outsiderPeople call her Doc, but she realizes they don’t really know her at all; there’s no one around who knows her likes and dislikes or about her past; they don’t know VioletInt need: connectionShe has struggled and fought her way through medical school and now has trouble opening up and being vulnerable with new friendsScene where she meets a new friend—in lab, Darcy, gets to know her better, feels she’s actually met a friend (could meet over the winning of the auction)First time she attends church since the auction—a few people remember her by that. It’s a small sense of connectionShe remembers that one time she went and decides to go back because of connection of the auction. It’s her only tie other than work.IG: Have kids by doctoring in a small town community Show her bonding with a patient; child reaches for her, which warms her heart. This could actually happen at church or in town so Jake witnesses it.IM: she gave up a child for adoption and thinks she’ll never have her own (thinks she doesn’t deserve it)Scene with Remy, can relate to feeling she’s not worthy.IC: She really does want her own (family/child) but is afraid to risk lovingScene where fear over loving Jake makes her want to give upRealizes she needs to call parents and make effort to healGoes to see parents, takes Jake/baby for moral support****
As you can see, I got a lot of scene ideas just from mining my GMC chart! If you’ve read the book, you may recognize some of these ideas that became scenes. (If you haven’t read The Doctor's Second Chance and want to, here’s a link!)
2. Know the Middle … And Then Aim for It
I love James Scott Bell’s book Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between . Since I bought the book, I’ve read it each time I’m plotting a new story to help with the scene ideas. (BTW, it’s a short book.) I’ve found that deciding on the mirror moment in the middle gives me something to aim for once I get past the opening chapters. So no more sagging middle! The basic premise of Bell’s how-to book is that once you know your mirror moment in the middle, that moment when the character takes a hard look at himself and wonders what kind of person he is, what he will do to overcome his inner challenges, then you can go forward to figure out the pre-story psychology or go backward to figure out how the character transforms by the end. Knowing this middle scene will help all the scenes have unity. And like I said, for me, it gives me something to aim for.
I thought I’d share another example. Again, this is from my brainstorming notes, directly cut and pasted, for the story that became The Doctor’s Second Chance . (Spoiler alert! I give away a lot here, all stuff I figured out before I finished writing the book.)
***Example: Midpoint Brainstorming for The Doctor’s Second ChanceStory Question:Will Jake be able to take care of this newborn and locate his cousin before Violet gets the court involved? Can Violet fulfill her goal of helping children without falling in love with the baby…and with Jake? Or might the two of them discover that family comes in all shapes and sizes?
Mid-point mirror moment:Jake: Is there really such thing as a secure family…this ideal little family bubble? For me? And if so, do I dare go for it? What if it got taken away? Show him taking a risky step: asking her out on a date. It’s a concrete move toward making them a unit.
Violet: Do I deserve to be happy? Can I really move forward and let go of the past? Show her admitting some weakness to him. Maybe she shares about rift with her family (but not why), how she’s felt she has to do everything herself. And then she opens up with how she needs him somehow (maybe she needs him to support her in town, by letting people know his opinion of her has changed). [but I’d kind of like him to do this on his own, and she discovers he’s done it because he cares. So maybe she doesn’t ask him to do that. Maybe she just opens up and shares her hurts.]
Pre-story psychology:Jake: Parents died, “abandoning” him. Aunt and uncle took him in but he always felt he needed to be good for them to keep him. That “being good” alienated his cousin, so he never felt part of the family. His aunt and uncle worked a lot, and he got stuck trying to keep Remy out of trouble since he felt like her destructive behavior was probably his fault. Once she ran off, he felt a sense of relief, of freedom. Has been working hard so he can play and enjoy that freedom. Thinks he has just what he wants. The baby being dropped on him limits that freedom, and he feels that renewed sense of guilt, as if he does owe her. Plus, he’s just naturally responsible.
Violet: Parents were socialites, valued what others thought of them, worried about appearances. Were often gone, lots of baby sitters. She fell for a guy who needed her, and got pregnant. Parents insisted she give up for adoption, would not consider helping her keep baby, claiming she couldn’t give up her lifelong goal to be a doctor. But she felt they were more worried about how it would make them look. She resented them. No relationship since, even though they’ve tried and dad has apologized (mom insists it was best for everyone). She has been independent, putting herself through school and medical school. Feels she was weak and failed her child. Decided she would help other children by becoming pediatrician. Didn’t like large clinic and impersonal medicine. Bought small town clinic to be part of patients’ lives.
Transformation:How can I show it?Both have had ideals of the perfect family that they never had. Have to learn to let go of that. Have to accept a new picture of what family means to them now that God has brought them together, and to let go of fear of the rug being yanked out from under them. Must learn to trust God instead of themselves (what I’m learning now).Jake: In the beginning, he’s still trying to be responsible and take care of others, finding it hard to ask for help. Connection is out of a sense of duty rather than out of love. Needs to extend love. Needs to accept love freely given. He doesn’t have to earn the right to be part of a family.To show his transformation…He’ll ask her to be his family (scary and risky but worth it). And he’ll ask it even while she’s still acting cool toward him, so it’s even riskier. He’ll do it with God’s strength (when he is weak, God is strong).
Violet: In the beginning, she’s independent and all business, only willing to reach out for the good of the child. She feels driven to work to deserve anything good that comes to her. She’s driving herself, fighting her nature to want closeness and family. She learns she doesn’t have to work hard to earn happiness just because of her past. Needs to accept love freely given. She is worthy of love, because God loves her just as she is.Or maybe what she thought she needed was control over her life when what she really needed was to give up control, to just accept love.To show her transformation…she’ll sleep in past sunrise. (maybe in epilogue? On honeymoon?)****
So you can see how I started by figuring out the middle. Then I backed up to figure out some backstory and scenes that will show it. Then I figured out how to concretely show the ending of the story with my characters in a new place emotionally.
I hope sharing my methods helps some of you! If you’re stuck, try brainstorming using these two methods. Come up with as many ideas as you can. You most likely won’t use them all, but you may find some nuggets that you end up loving! And at least you can keep moving forward on your first draft, even if you change some of it later.
June 6, 2020
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY
The Adoration of the Trinity, Albrecht Dürer (1511):
from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father
and the crucified Christ. [PD-US]
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.John 3:16-18
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 this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
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.
The Adoration of the Trinity, Albrecht Dürer (1511): from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father
and the crucified Christ. [PD-US]
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.John 3:16-18
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 this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
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.
June 5, 2020
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Mary Connealy was our hostess talking about Character vs Plot driven books. The winner of a $20.20 Amazon gift card is Rachel Herod.
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus gave us some tips on how to Keep the Momentum going. The winner of a signed copy of her upcoming release A Father's Promise is Tonya @ Sprinkle on Glitter!
Friday: Dana R. Lynn shared her experience of combining her teaching job with writing.Rachel Herod is the winner of a copy of Plain Refuge.
Monday: Missy Tippens will be doing a Back to the Basics post! She'll be re-sharing from the archives of Seekerville: Battling Through Your Manuscript...One Scene at a Time.
Wednesday: Spend the day with Seeker Ruthy Logan Herne as she talks about putting together a great cover letter in a Back to Basics that is a must-read because you might only get one page... one paragraph... one line... to draw that editor or agent in. Don't let it go to waste! Friday: Join us for some creative fun with Emilie of Create Explore Read! She'll be sharing with us on multiple creative outlets.
COVER REVEAL
Debby's thrilled to reveal the coverof her October release,AMISH CHRISTMAS SEARCH.Available for pre-order HERE!
Amish Christmas SearchOct 2020An Amish girl’s disappearance is a mystery…and the clues lead straight into danger at Christmas.Convinced her friend didn’t run away as the policebelieve, Lizzie Kauffman searches for the truth—butsomeone will kill to keep it hidden. Now the Amishhousekeeper and her friend Caleb Zook are on therun for their lives. And if they want to find theirmissing friend, Lizzie and Caleb must figure outa way to survive the holiday.
CELEBRATE WITH RUTHY AS SHE HAPPY DANCES OVER HAVING 3 (THREE!!!!) OF HER WISHING BRIDGE BOOKS IN THE TOP 10 OF AMAZON'S WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN FICTION!!!!! Ruthy will be the first one to tell you that this is a dream come true and she's crazy grateful to Amazon Publishing, editors Sheryl Zagechowski, Faith Black Ross, and Beth Jamison, and her amazing readers who have fallen in love with the Western New York town that mingles hopes and prayers into dreams that come true.
LINK TO BOOK ONE: WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE!
And coming on 6/12: Ruthy's North Country Romances are being repackaged, and if you haven't read them yet, all three will be re-released this summer for Kindle & paperback, with a Kindle price of $1.99! A beautiful story, the series that launched Ruthy's career and caught reader's attention. She's so excited to put this story back in reader's hands! Waiting Out the Storm, Season of Hope and Winter's End... coming soon to Amazon.com!
Jan Drexler's The Roll of the Drums is on sale for the month of June! Head over to her website to order from your favorite retailer.
Jan's Website: www.JanDrexler.com
The Strategy That Leads To More Book Sales by Penny Sansevieri at Writers In The Storm
Do You Need To Hire A Professional Editor? by Natalie Hanemann at Steve Laube Agency
Let's Talk Series by Tari Faris at Learn How To Write A Novel
Do You Torture Your Metaphors? by Jessi Rita Hoffman at Jane Friedman
Procrastinators Unite! Later by Rhonda Rhea at Blue Ridge Conference blog
June 4, 2020
Welcome Guest Dana R. Lynn to Seekerville
When Two Worlds Combine
Hi friends! I’m so happy to be joining you here. Thank you, Cate Nolan, for inviting me. It’s always a pleasure to visit Seekerville.
For those of you who don’t know me, I write romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. In fact, I just signed a new contract for the next four books. My 12th Love Inspired Suspense released this week. I have to tell you, I love writing stories with love, danger, and faith. Because to me, the faith lends hope to the whole story, no matter what the danger is.
I also work full time as a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing. Deaf culture is another passion of mine. The people I have met through my years of working with the deaf and hard of hearing have blessed and enriched my life in so many ways. I get so much joy from teaching my kiddos. I especially love teaching reading and writing. It makes my heart happy. (This is the sign for “I love you.”)
Now, normally, my two careers are separate. Sometimes, though, I meld them together and include a character who is deaf or hard of hearing in a book. I have done this three times so far. In Plain Target , my heroine Jess was deaf, but had some hearing with her hearing aids, and relied on lip reading. In Plain Retribution , Rebecca was profoundly deaf and communicated with ASL (American Sign Language). My third deaf character is introduced in Plain Refuge .
Celine Larson is a 12 year-old girl with spunk and a preteen attitude. She has reason. Even at the tender age of 12, she has lost much. She is profoundly deaf and has bilateral Cochlear Implants. When her outer processors are off, she is completely deaf. She was one of my favorite secondary characters ever. Even though she’s a child, she is strong and smart. I love it when I can use my professional knowledge in a story.
Another thing I love about writing for Love Inspired Suspense is that I can share my faith in a way that, hopefully, is neither pushy nor preachy. In every book I write, I want to show that God is bigger than any circumstance, no matter how painful or overwhelming. He is always in control.
I have two questions today. Answer one in the comments to be entered to win a copy of Plain Refuge. 1. What kind of characters inspire you the most?2. How do you use your talents and skills to teach those around you about God?
PLAIN REFUGE On the run from hired gunmen,
can she find safety in Amish country?
After overhearing an illegal weapons deal, Sophie Larson knows two things: her uncle’s a dangerous criminal…and he wants her dead. Now undercover cop Aiden Forster has no choice but to blow his cover and protect Sophie by hiding her and her deaf sister in Amish country. But with a mole in the police force, danger isn’t far behind.
Hi friends! I’m so happy to be joining you here. Thank you, Cate Nolan, for inviting me. It’s always a pleasure to visit Seekerville.
For those of you who don’t know me, I write romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. In fact, I just signed a new contract for the next four books. My 12th Love Inspired Suspense released this week. I have to tell you, I love writing stories with love, danger, and faith. Because to me, the faith lends hope to the whole story, no matter what the danger is.
I also work full time as a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing. Deaf culture is another passion of mine. The people I have met through my years of working with the deaf and hard of hearing have blessed and enriched my life in so many ways. I get so much joy from teaching my kiddos. I especially love teaching reading and writing. It makes my heart happy. (This is the sign for “I love you.”)
Now, normally, my two careers are separate. Sometimes, though, I meld them together and include a character who is deaf or hard of hearing in a book. I have done this three times so far. In Plain Target , my heroine Jess was deaf, but had some hearing with her hearing aids, and relied on lip reading. In Plain Retribution , Rebecca was profoundly deaf and communicated with ASL (American Sign Language). My third deaf character is introduced in Plain Refuge .
Celine Larson is a 12 year-old girl with spunk and a preteen attitude. She has reason. Even at the tender age of 12, she has lost much. She is profoundly deaf and has bilateral Cochlear Implants. When her outer processors are off, she is completely deaf. She was one of my favorite secondary characters ever. Even though she’s a child, she is strong and smart. I love it when I can use my professional knowledge in a story.
Another thing I love about writing for Love Inspired Suspense is that I can share my faith in a way that, hopefully, is neither pushy nor preachy. In every book I write, I want to show that God is bigger than any circumstance, no matter how painful or overwhelming. He is always in control.
I have two questions today. Answer one in the comments to be entered to win a copy of Plain Refuge. 1. What kind of characters inspire you the most?2. How do you use your talents and skills to teach those around you about God?
PLAIN REFUGE On the run from hired gunmen,
can she find safety in Amish country?
After overhearing an illegal weapons deal, Sophie Larson knows two things: her uncle’s a dangerous criminal…and he wants her dead. Now undercover cop Aiden Forster has no choice but to blow his cover and protect Sophie by hiding her and her deaf sister in Amish country. But with a mole in the police force, danger isn’t far behind.
