Edie Melson's Blog, page 330

Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference

Edie here. Today I’m excited to share the information for another Writer’s Digest conference—October 28-30, Los Angeles, CA. This one is Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference. Beyond the opportunity to learn from the best and network with professionals, Writer’s Digest is offering readers of The Write Conversation at special $25 discount. To receive the discount, use this code when you register: TWC16

Writer’s Digest Novel Writing ConferenceFor more than 90 years, writers have turned to Writer’s Digest for friendly, encouraging and authoritative insights about how to write better and get published. And attending the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference is like stepping into the magazine’s pages; attendees leave inspired, more confident in their abilities and with a greater understanding of the current publishing landscape, including self-publishing opportunities. From the first sentence to the book’s marketing plan, this event is the opportunity to build a better book from the ground up, from the first sentence to the marketing plan.
Learn from the ExpertsWriter’s Digest Novel Writing Conference boasts a lineup of speakers that includes New York Times bestselling authors—including Garth Stein and Christopher Rice—plus Pulitzer Prize-Winner, Jane Smiley. They’ll join a host of literary agents and industry experts at this uniquely positioned event—one of the few focused exclusively on the craft and business of novel writing.
Who Attends Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference?Writer’s Digest’s reputation attracts a uniquely dedicated group of writers. Most have been writing for years and many have already published. They want and expect relevant information to further their writing careers—and this event gives it them, no matter what stage of their journey.
Get What You NeedWhether you need help with the broad strokes of your novel or guidance for fine-tuning your nearly finished manuscript you’ll find sessions offering what you need across multiple tracks. Mix and match among Craft, Character, Storytelling, Genre Studies and more. Your picks, your weekend, built your way.
Do What You LoveFuel up on the creative buzz of being around hundreds of other writers. Make new friends and meaningful connections; the event offers plenty of chances to mingle, including the Halloween-themed Cocktail Reception. Come dressed as your favorite character or literary figure!
Be Inspired By the BestThe final roster is still coming together, but the speaker lineup off to a stellar start—with keynotes including New York Times bestsellers Garth Stein (The Art of Racing in the Rain; A Sudden Light) and Christopher Rice (A Density of Souls; The Vines), plus Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times bestseller Jane Smiley (A Thousand Acres; Moo) sharing their writing inspiration. You’ll get your best price when you register by October 27. Hope to see you there.
TWEETABLESLearn from the experts and mix& match the program track that’s right for you at #WDNWC16 in LA.http://bit.ly/1WNEhdP (Click to Tweet)

Build a better book from theground up in LA this fall. #WDNWC16 http://bit.ly/1rwsQKw (Click to Tweet)

Idea Starters for Writers - Calendar Days - 30 Days of Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions in October

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Are you looking for a unique article idea to pitch to a magazine? What about a different blog post or a social media update that gets everyone's attention? Today may be just what you're looking for—it’s time again for Calendar Days. These aren't just fun to read. They’re also a great way to jumpstart our creativity and a fun writing prompt idea. 

In addition, calendar days are great conversation starters for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, especially when two contrasting holidays fall on the same date or if you can personalize them to someone you know. 
October Holidays, Special Days & Downright Crazy Days
October is:National Book MonthFair Trade MonthComputer Learning Month National Dropout Prevention MonthBreast Cancer Awareness MonthBat Appreciation MonthChurch Safety and Security MonthWorld Blindness Awareness MonthChurch Library MonthChildren’s Magazine MonthCeliac Disease Awareness MonthNational Vegetarian MonthWorld Menopause MonthPositive Attitude MonthPhotographer Appreciation MonthNational Pizza MonthAdopt a Shelter Dog MonthNational Popcorn Popping MonthNational Sarcastic Awareness MonthNational Domestic Violence Awareness MonthNational Bullying Prevention MonthClergy Appreciation MonthBreast Cancer Awareness MonthNational Fair Trade MonthNational Cookie Month
Weekly CelebrationsWeek 1:National Chimney Safety WeekNational Carry a Tune WeekCustomer Service WeekNational Chili WeekMystery Series WeekMental Illness Awareness Week
Week 2:National Physician Assistants WeekNational Newspaper WeekFire Prevention Week
Week 3:Freedom of Speech WeekTeen Read WeekNational School Bus Safety WeekNational Friends of Libraries Week
Week 4:Red Ribbon WeekNuclear Science WeekChicken Soup for the Soul WeekPastoral Care WeekGet Organized Week
Daily CelebrationsOctober 1CD Player DayWorld Card Making DayNational Homemade Cookies DayWorld Vegetarian DayInternational Coffee DayOlder Peoples Day
October 2National Custodial Worker DayName Your Car DayChange a Light DayInternational Day of Non-violenceWorld Farm Animals Day
October 3Virus Appreciation DayWorld Habitat DayWorld Architecture DayWorld Day of Bullying PreventionInternational Frugal Fun DayNational Techies DayBoyfriends Day
October 4Improve Your Office DayWorld Animal DayShip in a Bottle DayNational Golf Lover’s DayNational Frappe DayNational Taco Day
October 5Country Inn Bed & Breakfast DayNational Walk to School DayBalloons Around the World DayChic Spy ™ DayNational Pumpkin Seed DayNational Do something Nice DayWorld Teachers Day
October 6National Mad Hatter DayNational Noodle DayPhysician Assistant Day
October 7Random Acts of Poetry DayNational LED Light DayBathtub DayWorld Smile DayNational Frappe Day
October 8National Fluffernutter DayWorld Octopus DayNational Costume Swap DayNational Motorcycle Ride Day
October 9World Post DayClergy Appreciation DayNational Chess DayNational Pro-Life Cupcake Day (http://cupcakesforlife.com)Curious Events DayFire Prevention DayNational Leif Erikson DayNational Moldy Cheese Day
October 10National Kick Butt DayColumbus DayNational Online Bank DayWorld Porridge DayWorld Mental Health DaySHIFT10 DayHug a Drummer DayNative American DayWorld Homeless DayCake Decorating DayNational Handbag DayNational Angel Food Cake Day
October 11National Sausage Pizza DayAda Lovelace Day (Read about the first female computer programmer, daughter of Lord Byron)Face Your Fears Day
October 12National gumbo DayNational Freethought DayNational Fossil DayNational Emergency Nurse’s DayNational Farmer’s DayNational Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work & School DayPet Obesity Awareness DayNational Take Your Parents to Lunch DayNational Stop Bullying DayWorld Arthritis Day
October 13National Train Your Brain DayNavy BirthdayFace Your Fears DayWorld Sight DayInternational Skeptics Day
October 14Vet Nurse DayInternational Top Spinning DayWorld Egg DayBe Bald and Free DayNational Dessert Day
October 15Sweetest DayNational Cheese Curd DayNational Grouch DayNational Cake Decorating DayBridge DayNational I Love Lucy DayWorld Maths DayChicken Cacciatore DayWorld Students’ DayWhite Cane Safety Day
October 16World Toy Camera DayDepartment Store DayWorld Food DayNational Dictionary DaySteve Jobs DayNational Feral Cat Day
October 17National Clean Your Virtual Desktop DayBoss’s DayBlack Poetry DayNational Edge DayAlternative Fuel DayNational Pasta DayInternational Day for the Eradication of PovertyWear Something Gaudy DaySpreadsheet DayNational Mulligan Day
October 18National Chocolate Cupcake DayWorld Menopause DayNational Pharmacy Technician DayPro-Life Day of Silent SolidarityNational No Beard Day
October 19Global Dignity DayNational Seafood Bisque DaySupport Your Local Chamber of CommerceMedical Assistants Recognition DayEvaluate Your Life Day
October 20Information Overload DayWaiters DayNational Get to Know Your Customers DaySuspender’s DayNational Get Smart About Credit DayConflict Resolution DayInternational Sloth Day
October 21Apple DayBack to The Future DayNational Mammography DayCount Your Buttons DayNational Pumpkin Cheesecake DayNational Reptile Awareness Day
October 22Caps Lock DayNational Color DayInternational Stuttering Awareness DayNational Make A Difference DaySmart is Cool DayNational Nut Day
October 23iPod DayNational Boston Cream Pie DayNational Mother-In-Law DayNational TV Talk Show Host DayNational Mole Day
October 24United Nations DayNational Food DayMake a Difference DayNational Bologna Day
October 25Sourest DayNational Greasy Food DayInternational Artists DayPunk for a Day DayWorld Pasta Day
October 26National Pumpkin DayNational Day of the DeployedNational Mule DayHowl at the Moon DayNational Mincemeat Day
October 27Black Cat DayCranky Co-Workers DayNavy Day
October 28National Chocolate DayNational Breadstick DayNational Frankenstein FridayInternational Bandana DayPlush Animal Lover’s DayAnimation Day
October 29Internet DayNational Oatmeal DayNational Hermit DayHug a Sheep DayNational Cat Day
October 30Create a Great Funeral DayNational Publicist DayNational Speak Up for Service DayChecklist DayNational Candy Corn Day
October 31National Caramel Apple DayGirl Scout Founder’s DayNational Knock-Knock Jokes DayNational Magic DayNational Magic DayHalloween
Now let's do a little brainstorming for next month. What are some of your favorite days from the list and how do you propose using them?
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Need a unique article or #blog post? Calendar Days is the answer - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet) 

Don't get caught without ideas, use the calendar for #blogging, #socialmedia, & article #writing (Click to Tweet) 

Find Writing Gems When You Mine Your Life Experiences

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

We all want what we write to matter—to touch hearts, change lives, challenge the status quo. 

To that end we search high and low for the words that connect us to our readers.

But what if the gems we’re searching for aren’t hidden in distant places, but instead are buried deep within our own experiences?

Today I’m going to give you the clues to finding those precious nuggets hidden in plain sight. If you’ll bear with me, I’d like to follow this mining metaphor to its ultimate end and show you how to mine your own experiences to make your writing richer.
Tools of the Mining Trade
Miners of old wielded heavy pick axes and bulky shovels. They built sluice boxes and patiently plied the gold pans looking for nuggets. This was necessary because the treasure was often buried under hard rock and hidden in amongst worthless mud.

We face many of the same obstacles when we mine our own experiences. We must dig, not under tons of rock, but beneath rock-hard walls we’ve erected between us and the things in our past that have been painful. We also find that those gems closer to the surface aren’t obvious, but hidden in plain sight beside everyday occurrences. They’re camouflaged to look worthless but are gems of inspiration.

Work Clothes of a Miner
Miners—then and now—are often easy to spot because of their attire. From the metal hard hats, with attached lights, to the tips of their steel-toed boots, everything about them is geared to plying their trade.

We too, often need a hard hat of sorts. Our minds often shrink away from remembering past experiences like a miner needs protection from a rain of stones. Our feet must be shod in a foundation of who we are, protected while we go mucking about the dangerous mine shafts of yesterday. Even the good memories can be dangerous, deceiving us and seducing us into what-might-have-been.

The light we need is the focus of what we’re searching for—the point of our writing. No matter whether we’re looking to expose truth, share hope or something else entirely, we must stay true to our path. It can mean death to wander into a side-tunnel and get lost forever.

Digging out the Treasure
Now that we’re equipped, let’s start the search. Join me in examining our circumstances. Each of us is in a unique place. It’s a convergence of time and space, but even more it's comprised of people and experiences. Don’t waste what God has put inside you or where He has placed you. Illustrate the things you write with what colors your life.

Many of you already do this. How have your own experiences led you to valuable insights you’re able to share through your writing? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation
Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLES
We want our #writing to matter—touch hearts, change lives, challenge the status quo - @EdieMelson (Click toTweet)
Find #writing gems when you mine your life experiences - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

7 Reasons Why We Love Novels

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Thousands of novels are released each year. So many wonderful and amazing books, and we’ll never be able to read them all. But we try.
What’s the fascination for story? Why do we crave the next novel and the next?
Here are seven reasons why I love story.1. Entertainment is the number one reason we love novels. When our work is done for the day, we can relax and lose ourselves within the pages of a highly-crafted story.
2. Story is a slice of real life. I dare say every plot has its origin in facts. Readers see truth in a non-threatening environment, an opportunity to explore values.

Characters draw us into their setting.3. Characters draw us into their setting. A well-written story explodes on the page with characters we adore. We relate to their wants and needs and how they interpret life. Our imaginations are challenged and we become the character.

4. Problems are solved within the story, and the reader seeks ways to make their own life easier.

5. Heroes and heroines on an impossible journey inspire us to be better people, attempt new things, and see a goal to completion.

6. Healing takes place within the storyline. Subject matter that touches our personal pain addresses ways we can survive our past. By exploring behavior, we gain new insights.

7. Satisfaction of engaging in a story from the beginning to the end provides a sense of accomplishment.
Why do you love story? Let’s share ideas.

TWEETABLE
7 reasons why we love novels - @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. 
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. 
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

The Best Parts of Being a Writer

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We all know there are aspects of choosing to write for a living that can make life tough. It’s easy to get focused on just the negatives. Today I want us to celebrate the best parts of being a writer!My 15 Favorite Things About Being a Writer1. We get to use our own experiences—good and bad—to impact others. I’ve learned that we all share a lot of the same fears, hopes and struggles. Writing gives me a chance to share what I’ve been through and watch it impact others.
2. We hear voices in our heads and it’s completely normal. Not only is it normal, but it’s downright scary when our imaginary friends stop talking to us
3. I can buy books and write it off. Books are some of my favorite things in the whole world. Now I need to buy them to further my career.
4. We can take revenge on those who irritate us. Of course we don’t make them recognizable, but it makes us feel better. After all, there’s a reason for that old saying, the pen is mightier than the sword.
We get to work in our pajamas. 5. We get to work in our pajamas. Or at lease in comfy clothes. There’s something to be said for working at home where we don’t have to worry about how we look.
6. I get to be the boss. I’m a total control freak, so being in charge fits my personality perfectly. I’m in charge of me, my schedule (to a certain degree) and I get to tell my characters what to do.
7. We get to be friends with other writers – and some of them are famous. Some of my first heroes were authors. Now, I’m friends with other writers and get to hang out with the people I’ve always admired.
8. We get to research anything we want. I like to think of it as a healthy curiosity. I don’t agree with my husband’s description of me as nosey.
9. We get to hang out in coffee shops and libraries. I love the atmosphere of coffee shops and libraries. As a writer, I have a legitimate reason for hanging out there.
10. I get to buy pens and paper. Again, these are some of my favorite things. But since I earn my living as a writer, I have to have them for my business.
11. We get paid to make things up. No, not when we’re writing articles and things like that. But for those of us who write fiction, we get to create everything from our imagination.
We get fan mail.12. We get fan mail. It’s not the fan mail exactly that’s the best. For me it’s hearing from someone I don’t know that has been touched by the words I wrote. I love getting to see glimpses of God working through me.
13. I get to be weird.Writers look at the world a little differently. We can embrace that because people expect it. No need to hide behind a mask of normalcy.
14. All those hours of daydreaming are legitimate work time. Even if we write nonfiction, we still have to come up with new and different ways to present the information. That means time spent thinking and dreaming.
15. We are courageous enough to follow our dreams. We talk a lot about the fears that come with being a writer. It’s important to never forget the courage it takes to following our dreams.
These are my 15 favorite things about being a writer. What’s your favorite thing? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESThe best parts of being a writer - @EdieMelson (Click toTweet)
My 15 favorite things about being a writer - @EdieMelson(Click to Tweet)

29 Quick & Easy Social Media Updates to Share

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Sometimes connection with our readers through social media seems like such a time-consuming chore that we can’t pull together the energy to even try. Truthfully though, by doing a little bit on social media consistently, we can make great strides. Today I’d like to share some easy—quick—ways to make those important connections. My tips are divided into three sections—things we can do now and share later, things we can share on the fly, and things we should avoid sharing.Things To Do Now and Share Later1. Keep a running list of quotes that inspire you.
2. Use the FB save option and bookmark updates from others that you can        share later.
3. Make a list of open-ended questions you can ask.
4. Bookmark and save funny videos to share later.
Things to Share on the Fly5. People love to complain about the weather. So share what the weather is doing in your area and ask for others to share their info.
Post a link to music.6. Post a link to music. You can tie it to what you’re writing and get extra interest. For example, when I’m working on my Steampunk novel, I write listening to the Pandora station, Lindsey Stirling. When I’m working on my Christian living manuscript, I love to have on a station from Warren Barfield.
7. Share a picture of where you’re working. I’ve noticed that my friends and followers love it when I share pics of my screened in back porch.
8. Take a pic while you’re out shopping. Many stores will monitor mentions and they may share or like your update.
9. Post a Bible verse that spoke to you recently—the more recent the better.
10. We’re all more than just writers, capitalize on that and share a hobby or passion that gives your readers a better all-round picture of you as a person.
11. We all feel overwhelmed. So share something you’re doing that helps calm the chaos.
12. Post a link to a recent Amazon review you wrote for another author’s book.
13. Issue a challenge. Here are some ideas: 3 Things you’re thankful for.Move more.Random act of kindness.
14. Share a favorite recipe.
15. Or if time doesn’t permit, ask for suggestions for something quick to fix for dinner.
Look at the calendar for inspiration and share
a silly holiday.16. Look at the calendar for inspiration and share a silly holiday. (Every month I share a Calendar Days post that lists the funny & crazy holidays for the upcoming month.) Today is:National Johnny Appleseed DayNational Pancake DayNational Dumping DayNational Shamu the Whale DayLove Note DayBatman DayFamily DayLumberjack Day
17. Everyone loves movies. List one of your old favorites, or ask for opinions about a recent release.
18. We’re writers and authors, don’t forget to share what’s on your To Be Read list.
19. Pets are always a great way to connect. If you have a furry friend, that’s a great way to connect on the fly. Share a funny story, a picture, or ask a question.
20. Everyone is engaged on social media. Ask for opinions on favorite networks and what updates people like to read most.
21. Travel is always a good topic. Share places you’ve been and places you’d like to go.
22. Share a quick meme. I love to use WordSwag on my phone to make fast memes while I’m out and about.
23. Don’t be afraid to be real on social media. If you’ve had something funny happen to you, share it. People trust those who don’t take themselves too seriously.
24. Always be aware of the seasons and share related content. With fall coming up, get ready because I love to post pictures of the beautiful changing trees.
25. Remember the day-of-the-week hashtags. For example, Thursday is TBT (Throw back Thursday). These are great conversation starters.
Things to Avoid Sharing26. Stay away from political rants. Yes, most of us have options. If you choose to express them, make sure they’re not inflammatory—unless you’re trying to build a platform as a political activist or political writer.
Don't share anything derogatory about another person,
brand or situation.27. Don’t share anything derogatory about another person, brand, or situation. Trust me when I say that you will NEVER regret being nice. Things shared on social media will stay on social media, so avoid the negative posts.
28. Avoid the poor-pitiful me post. This isn’t a legitimate request for prayer, but more on lines of: I’m having such a horrible day. I wish people wouldn’t be so mean. These are manipulative posts meant to elicit sympathy and get us to ask more questions.
29. I recommend you NOT share times when you’re away from home. Post vacation pictures when you return and don’t give burglars an open invitation. 

This list is just a start. Truthfully, it could go on forever. Now it’s your turn to add your favorite go-to social media updates. Be sure to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLES29 Quick & Easy #SocialMedia updates to share -@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Connecting on #socialmedia doesn’t have to take a lot oftime – 29 quick updates - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Circle the Wagons

by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea

Coffee and donuts. They go together like love and marriage. Someday I’d like to write a poem and I’d like to start it with the line, “Coffee and donuts, sittin’ in a tree.” I’m not sure where to go from there. I get that far and all I know is that I want to be in that tree.

I confess I’ve had a few too many donuts. Sad to say, the bough on that tree would be bending pretty low about now. That’s why I decided to go on yet another diet recently. Also sad to say, I’ve already fallen off the wagon.
You know, if someone would think of bringing fudge along on the wagon ride I would be a lot more motivated to stay on it. Okay, I suppose a really good friend would probably give me a nudge to stay on the wagon. Nudge or fudge. Tough call on which is best, friendship-wise.

In our spiritual lives, we all need a
little nudge now and then.In our spiritual lives, we all need a little nudge now and then too. It’s good to have people in our lives we can count on to nudge us in the right direction, wherever the wagons are heading.

As pioneers were settling the west, when they were threatened by an enemy, circling the wagons was part of their defense strategy. The circle provided a protected cover they could get behind to fire at their attackers.

We need to rally with those on this life’s journey in the same way. We have a common enemy. Peter reminds us to “be alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Circle the wagons! Our church family is part of our defensive plan against our enemy. The next verse in 1 Peter says, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (vs. 9).

We’re in this together. Let’s not neglect circling the wagons. “Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25, AMP).

I’m so thankful the Lord has placed godly church buds and godly leaders in my path all through my life via the church. People with just the right nudge at the ready. There are pastors, teachers and leaders who stay alert to our spiritual supervision, keeping watch the scripture says. And Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to be responsive to them. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Less burden. More joy. It’s a good choice.

And in other choices, I’m considering choosing to keep the extra 20 pounds and just get myself a bigger wagon. One with really good shocks.

TWEETABLE
Circle the wagons - Less burden. More Joy. It's a good choice. @RhondaRhea (Click to Tweet)

Rhonda Rhea is a humor columnist for lots of great magazines, including HomeLife, Leading Hearts, The Pathway and more. She is the author of 10 nonfiction books, including How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? and coauthors fiction with her daughter, Kaley Faith Rhea. She and her daughters host the TV show, That’s My Mom, for Christian Television Network’s KNLJ. Rhonda enjoys traveling the country speaking at all kinds of conferences and events. She and her pastor/hubs have five grown children and live in the St. Louis area.

Living in the Moment

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Forever is composed of nows. - Emily Dickinson
In these days of instant access to cameras and social media, it's easy to get caught up in recording the moment instead of living in the moment. How do you combat that danger?

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Writers Are A Strange Lot

We writers are an odd lot.by Lori Hatcher  @LoriHatcher2

My husband puts up with a lot.
He’ll be the first to tell you that living with a writer is, shall we say, different. He knows writers are a strange lot. We can be physically present but mentally light years (or centuries) away. While it may appear that we’re talking to ourselves, if you ask us, we’ll deny it.
“Oh no, I’m not talking to myself. It’s the characters in my head who are talking. I’m just moderating the discussion.” Uh, yeah, I think there’s medication for that.
My husband knows I’m always collecting material, and no one is exempt. My friends, family, and even my dental patients occasionally show up in one of my devotions or blog posts. Even difficult people (whose names have been changed, of course), can be material for the next inspiration. One of my author friends has a t-shirt that says, Be nice to me or I’ll kill you in my next book.
I can’t wear that shirt, because I’m a non-fiction writer. My t-shirt would say, I’ll tell you how to kill the character in your next book in five easy steps. Uh, yeah, I think there’s jail time for that.
Writers ask for strange gifts.
(The Mercedes I want most is a typewriter.)Writers ask for strange gifts for their birthdays and Christmas. Money to go toward the next writers’ conference. Another journal. An Amazon gift card so they can buy their writer friends’ latest books. One year I asked my husband for a three-day personal retreat at The Cove in Asheville. “Who would you like to go with?” he asked.
“No one.” I responded. “That would spoil all the fun.” Besides, I carry my friends in my head, remember?
I don’t know how many times I’ve been in the middle of a crisis, and in the back of my mind I’m thinking, oh boy, this is going to make a killer blog post. My husband’s used to it. I was sharing something the Lord’s been teaching me during his recent unemployment. “Have you written about it yet?” he asked.
“Not yet,” I replied, “but I will.” And I will. It’s how writers process things. How we make sense of what doesn’t make sense. How we filter life through our fingers.
And then there’s our house. Bookshelves aren’t the most stylish piece of furniture, but there must be a minimum one in every room. When they get full, we add new ones. My husband knows not to ever suggest I get rid of any of my books. The one (and only) time he did, I stared at him, aghast, as if he’d suggested I dump a puppy on the side of the interstate.
Oh, and did I mention the Post It notes everywhere? And the scraps of paper with weird notes like God is like an editor—He has the final say or Research how long it takes a person to die of thirst.
My husband has learned to fall asleep to the
sound of my fingers on the keyboard.My husband has learned to fall asleep to the sound of my fingers on the keyboard and to stay asleep when I switch on the light at three a.m. because a sudden inspiration has seized me. He keeps a mental Rolodex of my writer friends he’s never met. They have names like Edie from Blue Ridge and Cindy from Boot Camp. When Betty the Editor or Eddie the Publisher calls, he knows to come get me immediately.
But living with a writer has its upside, too. My husband always knows where to find me (chained to my desk). I write a great Christmas letter (unless I’m on deadline, and then it might be a Fourth of July letter). I supply him with a plethora of useless information (please put me on Jeopardy), and I can spell (and define) just about any word he throws at me.  
Quirks and idiosyncrasies notwithstanding, after almost 32 years, I think he’s going to keep me.
What about you? What are some of the quirky things you do as a writer? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

TWEETABLE
Writers are a strange lot - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher is the editor of  Reach Out, Columbia  magazine and the author of two devotional books,  Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women  and  Joy in the Journey – Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. A blogger, writing instructor, and women’s ministry speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

Facing The Dreaded Critique Group - Part 1

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

You’re about to submit your writing to a critique group for the first time.
You haven’t felt this nervous since your first job interview.
Or the time you proposed to your spouse.
Or the time Old Aunt Mary visited and the dog was using the sweater she knitted you as his sleeping spot.Will they rip your writing—and you—to shreds with pieces of your manuscript and your soul shredded across the floor?
Will they proclaim you the next Hemingway or Tolkien?
Will they pat you on the head and say, “Bless you’re darling heart? Many people don’t even try to write.”
What should you expect?
First, I encourage you to consider joining a critique group. The group is a place to join the community of writers—those like ourselves who pursue this dream, this call to write. The group can be a place of improving our craft. And, from my own personal experience, the group can be a place where, over time, we develop friendships that transcend the writing, where we find a place of support and encouragement and prayer for all of what life throws at us.
My next piece of advice is don’t plan on submitting any of your writing at the first meeting you attend. Observe one or two, or even three, meetings to get a feel for the group. Each group has its own unique personality. You want to assess how well your personality meshes with the group.
Are you comfortable with the style of the group?
Know the rules.Some have strict rules of conduct for how the submission is formatted, how many copies to bring, how much time per person.
Some don’t allow the author to speak while his work is being discussed. I actually like this one. When my book is out, I can’t sit and explain to the reader what I meant when I wrote a particular sentence. The critique is a time for me to listen and to learn, not to defend.
Some groups have few, if any, rules and the discussion ranges far and wide.
Some have guidelines—“rules” sounds too harsh and controlling.
And some groups are more therapy groups than critique groups.
Only you can know what kind of group will work best for you. Take the time to investigate. Remember, you are about to invest a good bit of your time and a lot of your heart with a group of people who many consider weird because we write.

What holds you back from joining a critique group? If you’re in a group now, what motivated you to take the plunge?
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Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest. 

He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. 

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 

Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.