Becky Wade's Blog, page 143

5 Tips for How to Start the First Chapter

Recently Abby K sent me an email and said: “I am 15 and my dream is to be a published author. I am currently working on a medieval fantasy and having a hard time starting it. Do you have advice on how to start the first chapter? Do you have any advice on how to finish a manuscript and keep yourself motivated? I always jump from one project to the next.”

Beginnings and endings. The take-off and the landings are often the bumpiest part of the ride. How can a writer start and end well?

You’ve probably heard it said that readers are hooked into a book with a powerful beginning. And they’re hooked into the next book through a powerful ending. In other words, the first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book.

So how can we craft beginnings that keep a reader engaged in a story? Here are 5 tips for starting with a bang:

1. Open with a strong hook.

The first line. The first paragraph. Even more than that, the first scene. Each one is extremely critical and should be crafted to bait the reader into needing to find out more. I might be able to forgive a mediocre first line, but the first scene must draw me in to the story.

2. Find the inciting incident.

We want find just the right moment in the character’s life that sets the entire story in motion. Writers usually refer to this as the inciting incident—the igniting flame that starts the fire, the point of change in our character’s normal, comfortable life, that incident that forces them to into ever-increasing conflict. (Note: The hook and inciting incident are usually two separate things.)

3. Start the real tension and conflict.

First chapters should contain very little if any static. Don’t waste the first pages by having the main characters sitting or standing around reflecting on life or contemplating doing certain activities. That includes conversations, meetings, or meals between characters simply for the purpose of conveying story information. It would be like writing a phone conversation and asking our reader to “watch” the characters talk to each other. How exciting is that?

Instead, heap problems upon our characters in various levels physically, emotionally, and relationally right away. I’ve always liked the way James Scott Bell summarizes plot: Put your character up in a tree, throw stones at them, and then find a way to get them down again.

4. Wait on the backstory.

Similar to the last point, in our opening scenes, readers don’t need to know how our characters got to the point they’re at. Throw our characters into the story, and for the first chapter pretend the reader already knows as much as we do.

Readers want to piece the story together on their own. We’ll give them a more fulfilling reading experience if we let them take our small hints and finally put the character’s past together in their own time. If we need to explain anything, we can always slide it in little by little later.

5. Get readers caring right away.

In creating strong characters who jump into conflict, we run the risk of them coming across as abrasive, too independent, cold, or uncaring. The trick is to find ways to make our characters likable right away, even with all of their flaws.

One way to do that is to put them in situations where the reader can’t help but feel sorry for them. Or we can have our character do something compassionate for someone else. However we choose to build reader empathy, we should do so within the first few pages. The situations don’t have to be enormous, but should be enough to make our readers begin to really like the character.

So, those are a few tips on how to begin a story. I’ll leave how to end a story for another post. In the meantime, check out my recent post for how to keep going when you feel like giving up.

How about YOU? Readers, what are some things that hook you into continuing to read a book? Writers, what are some tips you have for crafting an opening that draws in readers?

When Cover Dreams Come True

A book’s cover is such a critical piece. It sets the tone of the book. It must grab a reader’s attention and invite them in. I’ve been very blessed to have some really wonderful covers. But they don’t just magically appear. There is a lot of hard work that go into them, and OK . . . a little magic.

When my first Hanger’s Horseman book came out, I fell in love with having a rugged cowboy on the cover. He was fabulous! But he wasn’t perfect. Readers pointed out that his vest was not the cavalry style or color that I described, nor was his horse the right color. As much as we wish the designers would just make everything perfect, there are limitations when it comes to budget and available costumes and models. No model, however handsome, is going to fit my exact mental image.

When it was time for Book 2 to have its cover designed, I dreamed big but kept my expectations realistic. The Heart’s Charge is a double love story – featuring two of the four famed Horsemen and the women who claim their hearts. With both heroes having equal POV time, it was important to me to have both heroes featured in equal prominence on the cover.

Here are some of the inspiration photos I sent to my publisher. Jonah is a sharpshooter and Mark is a trumpeter from their cavalry days. My dream was to have the two men on horseback charging across the cover like the top right photo, but realizing that might be unrealistic, I also would have been happy with something rugged like the Costner and Duvall shot.

Well, this new cover is living proof that dreams do come true . . .

I can’t tell you with how pleased I am with how it came out. Jonah has his rifle. Mark is ready with his revolver. The horses are perfect. The expressions on the faces are intense and heroic.

And here’s where the magic comes in – the cover models/actors were never on horseback! I didn’t believe it until I saw pictures from the photo shoot.

I’m amazed at what they can do and how realistic it looks. Digital artists are amazing!

I’d love to hear what you think of the cover.

As a reader, does it bother you if some of the smaller cover details don’t match the story? Or is the cover more of a symbolic representation for you?

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Reading)!

I confess, it was hard to decide what to post for today, knowing that today everyone would be dealing with the outcome of the election. But then Lynn Austin took the pressure off with her wonderful post on Monday. Click here to read it—or to read it again! Thanks, Lynn, for wise words and a kingdom perspective.

So today I’m going a bit escapist.

It’s November, which for me ushers in two months of reading Christmas-themed novels and novellas! I have way too many on my list to read this year, especially given that we are moving right in the middle of the holiday season! But of course Christmas comes every year, so even with adding new releases, I’ll get to them at some point.

One last thing about Christmas reading: While I do like reading about the season during the season, Christmas-themed books are more than that for me. Each story reminds me that we celebrate Jesus coming to earth to be with us. To shoulder our burdens. To offer us grace. Just as characters so often do for one another in Christmas books. So while they are not (usually) retelling the nativity story of Jesus, they tell the story of Jesus to me just the same.

Here’s a run down of my “want to read” from now through December. (I know, it’s a tiny bit excessive!)

Jingle All the Way and Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Years and years ago I heard Debbie Macomber speak at an ACFW conference. I’ve loved her ever since. And these Christmas stories look full of delight!

Joy to the World: A Regency Romance Collection

Regency romance novellas set at Christmas. How can I resist?

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen

I’m so excited to revisit the characters of Ivy Hill! I might have to save this one until closer to the end of December so I can savor it.

The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

I believe one of the readers of this blog suggested this Christmas read to me. This is a children’s book, but then again I love children’s books! And the synopsis sounds like it is sweet, sweet, sweet.

From Paris with Love This Christmas, Notting Hill in the Snow, and Covent Garden in the Snow by Jules Wake

I can’t remember where I saw these recommended, but they look absolutely wonderful to me. Of course, I do love stories set in England. And Paris is good, too.

A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases

Novellas. Historical. Romance. Christmas. Need I say more?

Mountain Christmas Brides: 9 Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains

I’ve spent several Christmases in my lifetime in Colorado, so this one appeals to both my sense of history and my remembrances of my own past.

A Sugar Creek Christmas by Jenny B. Jones

Jenny’s work is always heartwarming and fun. I have no reason to believe this one will be any different!

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep

I love MIchelle’s work, and read the first in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series last year. This is book 2. A Christmas retelling of Dickens, not sure it gets any better than this!

A Yuletide Regency: A Timeless Romance Anthology

Again, Regency romance and Christmas. Sigh.

Do you read Christmas novels/novellas? Do you want until the holiday season or read them anytime? What is your favorite? Which new read are you looking forward to most in this holiday genre?

Election Day 2020…and puppies

Yes, it’s Election Day 2020 and there are two things I’d like to say—

First…

“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” (Revelation 19: 11-16)

Are you anxious about today? About the outcome of this election? Do you dread what the future might hold if your chosen candidate doesn’t win?

I get it. I’ve struggled with similar feelings in recent weeks and months. But the Holy Spirit continues to draw me back to the eternal truth that God is in control. Jesus rules and reigns. And the Holy Spirit is moving and working in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. No matter what.

Yes, there will be consequences to the outcome of this election, either way it goes. But it’s nothing Jesus can’t handle. The rider on the white horse is still Faithful and True. He is the Word of God. He’s the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

And aren’t we forever grateful?

When Joe and I “early voted” this year it was an especially exhilarating and meaningful experience, and definitely held a weight of significance that I’ve not felt before when casting my ballot. And that’s saying a lot. Because each time I vote, I always thank God for the precious lifeblood that’s been spilled on battlefields around this country and around our world that’s paid the price for me to be able to cast that ballot.

After early voting in the 2020 election two weeks ago

I love this great country and will continue to be in prayer for America—and the world—as we move together into 2021 and all that it holds. And just think, even now God is waiting for us in 2021 even as he abides with us today . . . November 3, 2020. There’s nowhere we can go but what he isn’t already there waiting for us. Talk about comforting!

The second thing I want to say is…

Puppies. Yes, puppies.

Because we all need puppies (and animals) in our lives. These days especially. Animals add a depth of meaning to life, not to mention joy! And Angela Hunt’s newest book Sit. Stay. forever. captures all the emotions that come with having—and loving—a dog.

Sit. Stay. forever. is an absolute treasure! Every word of this book resonated with me.

In celebration of Angie’s new release—and because puppies make everything better—I’m GIVING AWAY a hardback copy of Sit. Stay. forever. today. The illustrator did such an amazing job with the images in this book too.

Here’s an example from Angie’s website

If you’re interested in tossing your name in the hat for a hardback copy of Sit. Stay. forever., simply leave a comment on this post by 5PM central time TODAY telling me if you’re a dog lover—or cat lover—and, if you are, about your precious pet(s).

In full disclosure, I find cats to be fascinating creatures. I simply haven’t had near the experience with them as I’ve had with dogs because while I enjoy being around cats, I’m horribly allergic to them so must love them from afar (ah-choo!). Still, I’m grateful for them. Just not as much as dogs. : } (Waving at you, Deb & Robin)

Much love to all and if you haven’t voted yet…DO! And may God bless America.

Tammy

And the Winner Is…

Is there anyone in America who doesn’t know that tomorrow is election day? With our country deeply divided between the two opposing parties, I think it’s safe to say that when the outcome is announced, half of the people will be happy and the other half won’t be. Many of us will just be relieved that it’s over!

In the midst of all the anxiety and nail-biting and fear for the future, I’m trying hard to remember two things. First, that God is in control, even if the next president isn’t the one I voted for. In Old Testament times, God’s people never would have voted for the brutal Persian dictator, King Cyrus. Yet once in power, he allowed the Jews who had been taken captive to Babylon to return to their homeland in Israel. Cyrus even paid for their trip. Why? “In order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia . . .” (Ezra 1). He can direct the heart of any leader to accomplish His purposes.

In New Testament times, God’s people never would have chosen the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus to rule over them. But as we all know from the Christmas story, it was this pagan emperor’s decree that led to Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem—where the prophets had foretold the Messiah would be born. God knew exactly how to direct the course of history so that scripture would be fulfilled. And He already knows the outcome of this election.

The second thing I’m reminding myself is that I have a calling to fulfill that doesn’t hinge on who becomes president. “Go and make disciples of all nations . . .” Jesus told us (Mark 28:19). God didn’t send His Son so that I could live a happy, comfortable life governed by leaders who think like me. He sent Christ so we can be forgiven and live in relationship with Him as our King. We’re supposed to spread that good news everywhere we go, to everyone we meet. And God knows the perfect conditions necessary to reach the lost. The next president’s policies and vision for America may not be to my liking, but my calling to follow Christ’s teachings and to point the way to Him isn’t going to change.

The Bible chronicles Israel’s long history of “good” kings and “bad” kings. Ideally, the people wouldn’t have needed a king at all if they’d trusted God as their king. But they wanted to be like the other nations. Jesus has much to say about the Kingdom of God, the kingdom to which believers today still belong. And whether your candidate wins or loses, His prayer for us is this: “I pray that all of them may be one, Father . . . so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”

Do you want to know who’s going to win the election? The man God has chosen for His purposes.

Inspired by Scripture

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Finding Hope in the Chaos

Hi friends,

            How do we find hope, or better yet, maintain our hope when the world around use seems hopeless? As I was preparing to write this post, so many thoughts flooded my mind. It was like God was pouring out examples from my life and truths from Scripture into my mind. The difficult part for me is figuring out how to put all these brain bubbles into a cohesive post that touches on everything God has filled me with over the last few days.

            Taking a quick step back, you all know brain bubbles, right? Think of an old comic strip (for those of you who are old like me and remember those—Calvin and Hobbes are the BEST, just saying). Well, those white, cloud-shapes over above the characters’ heads are what I refer to as brain bubbles—only I generally have about a dozen of them open at a time as is the case with this post.

           I’m finding it harder and harder to focus and I think it’s because we’re living in a time of chaos, or what feels like chaos around us. So much has changed since COVID hit. We’ve gone from shelter-in, nearly everything closed, and remote working to being more open, adhering to social distancing, wearing masks. Each week we start out not knowing what that week will hold, what changes might be made. So how do we navigate this new ‘world’ we’re living in?

            As I thought about it, God brought a Sunday school lesson from children’s church to mind. My girls are grown, so you can imagine how long ago this activity happened, but it’s something that has stuck with me over the years.

            Dawn (our children’s minister) stood at one end of the room, the student stood at the other end blindfolded with obstacles between him and her. A second person stood behind the student to make sure they didn’t trip or fall over anything. Dawn told the blindfolded student to follow her voice and he or she would make it safely through the dangers between them. Several students got nervous and stopped listening, running into a chair, etc. They stopped trusting her voice, stopped listening to her and they got lost.

            This story from the Bible I got in my inbox today from YouVersion was a great reminder of a time someone took their eyes not off of Dawn, but off Jesus.

When Peter saw how strong the wing was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Matthew 14:30

“You are not alone.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water next to Jesus. But after a while, the storm grew stronger and, overwhelmed by a situation he couldn’t control, Peter began to sink.

Immediately, Jesus saves Peter. But then He asks one question:

“Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

When storms in life happen, it’s easy to act like Peter. We can become so fixated on the problems around us that we lose sight of our Savior standing beside us. 

But even when hope seems lost, Jesus is near. His constant presence is our confident assurance that during life’s storms, God is, and always will be, in control. 

Whatever you’re going through right now, be encouraged: Christ is your anchor, He is able to do the impossible, and He will not let you drown. Hold onto hope by fixing your eyes on Him.”

If you are unfamiliar with YouVersion , I highly recommend it.

Reader Question:

How do you keep your eyes on Jesus during this tumultuous time? How do you anchor yourself in the hope He provides?

Blessings,

Dani

Through a Glass Darkly

Yesterday I spent several hours waiting around awkwardly in my own home as an installer worked to replace two windows. One side of my big office window cracked and discolored months ago and it has been no fun trying to look out of it, especially as it often fogs up. This is the window right in front of my desk, so I see it for many hours a day. It’s been like wearing a pair of glasses with a lens missing. (Or with one lens steamed up due to wearing a mask?

Riding the Tunnel Hill Trail

Ken and I have been taking little two-day trips to ride some of the Rails-to-Trails bicycle paths within a few hours’ drive from us. These are paths created where once a railroad was, so they have very few steep hills and they are in the prettiest settings! Did you know that Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has over 2200 rail-trails across the U.S. covering almost 25,000 miles? And with another potential 9000+ miles to develop into trails!

A couple of weeks ago, I shared about our ride on the Katy Trail. Our most recent trip took us across the Mississippi River to Vienna, Illinois (pronounced Vy-EN-uh) to ride the Tunnel Hill Trail. What a gorgeous place, and early to mid-October was the perfect time to see some glorious fall color, yet still have temperate weather.

Like most Rails-to-Trails routes, this one features lots of bridges and tunnels, and much of the trail is beneath a canopy of trees.

Tunnel Hill trail has one marvelous and memorable tunnel.

Yes, you can see straight through to the other side as you approach the tunnel, but don’t let that fool you!

It takes a full minute to get through to the other side, and it is DARK in the middle! We’d been warned that it is a little disorienting riding through, and that was certainly true. The advice we got—just keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel—was exactly right (and good advice for life, too!)

Just past the tunnel was a little picnic area with restrooms, so we stopped and ate the sandwiches we’d packed, then turned around and headed back through the tunnel. We rode over 30 miles of the trail in two days and thoroughly enjoyed every one! Ken hit the 400-mile mark on his bike while we were there.

On the way back, we stopped at this rustic little shack where we never saw a soul, but the shop was open for on-your-honor business. A freezer full of ice cream sandwiches (we chose Drumsticks!) and a coffee can to put your payment in. Wow, did that encourage me about America in 2020—that a business could still operate that way!

I’ve probably made this confession here before, but when Ken bought these bikes, I went along kicking and screaming. I’ve had to apologize for my attitude and I have thanked him a dozen times for this best-purchase-ever and for forcing me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. We are making the BEST memories in these empty nest years!

What about you? Has there ever been something new that you’ve tried reluctantly but discovered a new adventure in the process?

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashEntertainment.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.