Deborah Heal's Blog, page 28

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A FAMOUS AUTHOR

Most of my time is spent tapping away at my computer. But recently I had the opportunity to come out of my cave—I mean office--and play the role of FAMOUS AUTHOR. No, I wasn’t on TV or radio or signing books for crowds of adoring fans. But at our family reunion I had the fun of talking about writing to several relatives. (This topic comes up a lot more now that I’m a FAMOUS AUTHOR.) It started when Cousin Angelia introduced me as THE AUTHOR. Two friends there actually sighed. (I turned red.)

Then Sally told me she’s writing a fictionalized version of a Texas shootout involving one of our infamous ancestors. We discussed the benefits of writing groups, feedback buddies, and the amazing power of brainstorming. Uncle Les, too, aspires to write historical fiction someday, if he can get someone to transcribe his work on one of those new-fangled computers. I had no idea he was so interested in the adventures of Lewis and Clark. He says he can’t wait to read my second book Honor at Stake which features a bit of that history, and he started reading Time and Again as soon as he got back to his motel room that night. (I always just happen to have books with me wherever I go.)

My 20-something cousin Austin and I found we have a common love of words. He wants to be a script writer, and I passed on some suggestions about learning to write good dialogue, plot, and characters. I emphasized the importance of revision and of keeping your day job (until you become a FAMOUS AUTHOR). Cousin Kathy invited me to come for a FAMOUS AUTHOR visit to her elementary school in Florida in December. That will be a lot of fun.

But my favorite incident during the weekend event was when my young cousin Sidney told me that she had given a book review of Time and Again in her sixth grade English class. To date, this is my all-time favorite thing about being a FAMOUS AUTHOR.

 

Christian Author D.I. Telbat

Today Christian author D.I. Telbat has graciously agreed to be my guest on Write Brain Activity. Mr. Telbat writes adventure and suspense short stories and novels. His stories can be read in several online and print publications and anthologies. He offers FREE weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, as well as his author reflections, occasional book reviews, challenges to the Christian Church, and writing experiences. David Telbat desires to honor the Lord with his life and his writing, therefore, many of his stories are about the rescue of God's persecuted servants worldwide. The recurring theme in his work:There is no redemption without sacrifice.

I enjoyed reading Mr. Telbat’s book Dark Liaison, A Christian Suspense Novel very much. You can see the book review I wrote here. That book and Dark Hearted, Book Two in the COIL Series, remain in Amazon's Top 100 Bestseller list for Religious Mysteries, and are available from many online retailers.

Learn more about his writing by visiting his website Telbat's Tablet at http://ditelbat.com/about/

 

 

 

 

Five Must-haves before Writing Your Novel

 By D.I. Telbat

 

While speaking to beginning writers recently, I was asked the question: "What should I have in place before writing my novel?" This person was looking for one simple, maybe magical, answer.

Regardless of all that may follow in the publishing arena, I believe there are five things one must have in order before the first word of a book is written.

 

Plan. Too often, I hear: "I'll just start writing and see where it goes." That might be a good exercise or learning experience, but it's not practical. Whether it's a lengthy chapter outline or a bullet-point list of events (my system), without a plan, there is no direction. Without direction, there is no depth; only half-baked ideas, however original, but nonetheless, disorganized. Sketch out most of the main characters, the major events that will shape those characters, and consider a unique—if not startling—conclusion.

Research. While you may have life experience, researching topics and locations will make or break your novel. I'm constantly digging into the history of a location, whether I've been there or not. The past affects our characters' attitudes.

For example, if I place a Frenchman in Tampa, how does he feel about the Spanish massacre of French colonists in the 1500s? That was something I learned through research, and that research might be meaningless for my character—or it may develop my character's psyche.

Or if I'm writing about jaguar hunting, is my terminology correct? Am I hunting jaguars in San Salvador where there are no jaguar migration paths? Or have I researched my topic fully and know better?

Audience. If you don't know for whom you're writing, you're not writing for anyone. For years, I got away with this by claiming to be my own audience because I wrote only what Iwould read myself. This only works if I, the writer, fit into a well-defined people group.

More recently, I've begun to target a more specific audience, distinguishing one from the rest. I try to write for both genders in that people group, so I picture certain individuals I know within that intended audience. Might this person enjoy my story? If not, I need to redefine my audience or alter my story/plan.

Yacht. Okay, not everyone has a yacht, but it's just an imaginary yacht anyway. ;) My sailboat is a single-mast Bavaria, low and sleek. On this yacht, I do most of my writing on the bow with my paper tablet and a pen in hand (because that's how I write my first drafts).

To me, the yacht represents peace, much like the ark of Noah's day represents peace and rest in Jesus Christ. Anyone can write when he is angry or otherwise troubled, but I prefer to write when my heart is in order with God and my neighbor.

If our lives are in upheaval, that's okay, too. Great material has been produced in the past from chaotic lives. But your writing will find its fullest potential when your heart (and your head) is at peace.

Pray. The first four principles spell out the acronym for this final must-have. Without communicating with God for guidance for any endeavor, we're just working alone and possibly without His blessing. We pray before we consume food; we should pray for guidance before we use our gifts for His purposes.

In conclusion, don't jump headfirst into writing your novel without a plan, some research, knowing your audience, being at peace, and seeking God's guidance. Following these principles is a recipe for finishing your novel and giving readers your very best.

 

Happy writing!

 

David Telbat

 

HONOR AT STAKE GETS A NEW TITLE

Can You Guess the Name I Chose?

I’ve been using the working title Honor at Stake for book two of my trilogy for a long time. I started writing it during a period of renewed hope that Time and Again would get a publisher but put it away in defeat about five years ago. But when I did get the book contract in January of 2011, my hope soared again, and so I dusted off the manuscript and have been steadily but surely working on it ever since. It has been through the critique process with my fellow writers at Scribophile and other feedback buddies. I’ll soon be finished with revision and ready to do the final proofreading.

Happily, people seem to like the book. But not the title. One reader said Honor at Stake sounded like a story about a military hero. Another told me it sounded like a bodice-ripping romance. A part of me didn’t want to change the title, because that’s how I’ve thought of it for so long. But after considering the advice of my helpful “editors,” I decided they were right. Although the meaning was good, the connotations were off. And so I went back to the drawing board. It wasn’t easy. The title needed to

1. be similar in length to the first title Time and Again.

2. have the same mysterious tone (without being cheesy). And most importantly,

3. hint at the plot.

4. not already be in use (My Time and Again is one of many on Amazon.com.)

It took me days and days of brainstorming on my yellow legal pad and then scratching out most of the ridiculous ideas I came up with. Here are some of the least crazy (believe it or not) of them. In the comment box below, write the title you think I chose. I’ll announce the actual new title later this week.

Their Family Tree

Family Tree Project

The Legacy of Shake Rag Corner

Recovering the Pieces

The Name in the Book

The Name not in the Book

Not in the Book

No Name Given

A Family Regained

A Family connection

An Honor Restored

An Honor Regained

A Name Restored

Unclaimed Legacy

A Name Reclaimed

On All Charges

Time and Again: Unclaimed Legacy

A Skeleton in the Closet

Family Secrets

Slandered

An Honorable Name

Line of Descent

Ancestral Tree

Shake Rag Corner

Reuben and Franny

Tarnished Legacy

Reclaimed Legacy

Time and Again: Reuben and Franny

 

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Expect More by Dittemore!

 Five Stars

I know I've been crabbing lately about not being able to find quality Christian fiction. Good news! I found another one I can recommend. I didn’t know until I’d finished reading Angel Eyes that it is Shannon Dittemore’s first novel. All I can say is Wow! I can’t think of a reason anyone—male or female; old or young; Christian or not—wouldn’t like this story. Ms. Dittemore gives a nod to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight: Her main character Gabrielle is immediately attracted to Jake the new guy at school—even though he neither sparkles in the sunlight nor sports fangs. But from there she takes us to the much more interesting, relevant (and scarier) world of angels and demons as they duke it out for the souls of hapless humans. I say angels and demons are scarier than vampires (And haven’t we had just about enough of them already?) because they actually exist. They’re usually invisible, of course, but when Jake lends Brielle his guardian’s mysterious golden bracelet (I can’t say more without giving away a cool detail) she gains the gift of eyes that see the spirit world. (No, not ghosts.) And what she sees convinces her her past doubts have been foolish. God is good. God is wise. We don’t have the whole picture.  Brielle’s choice is clear. How can she not join Jake in the battle to fight the Evil One’s plans? Ms. Dittemore hints at more books to come. I certainly hope so.

 

By Deborah Heal, author of Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station. I received a copy of Angel Eyes from the author for the honest review above.

 

Labeling Christian Fiction?

It’s funny how widely opinions about books vary. T.L. Higley has at least four dozen reviews of her novel Pompeii: City on Fire on Roman Empire. But in the midst of the corruption, God calls people to his kingdom, calls them to stand and fight evil. Cato and Ariella wade through danger and political intrigue among the thrill seekers of the stadium and the debauched followers of Bacchus’ evil rites. And when the Gospel breaks down the walls that separate—the walls between male and female, Roman and Jew, free and slave, they find love and hope for the future.

I am so happy to have found T.L. Higley. She delivers the action, excitement, and characters readers long for (in a fascinating historical context) all the while deftly weaving in important Christian themes and ideas. She’s my hero.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com. 

 

Real Life Suspense Story

I just finished reading Dark Liaison by D.I. Telbat, a Christian suspense story. The title jarred at first. I mean, how is suspense "Christian?" But then I read the book. Here's the review I posted on Amazon and GoodReads. I think you should read this book if you like suspense.  I gave it four stars.

 

I enjoyed Dark Liaison, a Christian suspense novel with an unusual premise. The hero is Corban, an ex-CIA agent, who has used his contacts and skills to build an alternative spy agency whose mission is the rescue of suffering saints facing imprisonment, torture, and death in places like North Korea, Guatamala, and China. Satan’s forces, led by Abaddon and his the creepily evil minions are ramping up their attacks on Christians in a last ditch effort to thwart God’s kingdom before Christ’s return to Earth.

But as a Christian, Corban and his agents refuse to kill in the line of duty, even those who are actively trying to kill them, relying instead on creative, non-lethal methods to overpower the bad guys. Luigi, an assassin hired to kill Corban, is left scratching his head when Corban “adopts” him instead of killing him. Of course, this anti-violence philosophy increases the risks of each rescue mission, but Corban’s team operates on faith, knowing their lives are in God’s hands.

I loved the concept of this novel and the military techno-lingo and mission details that made the story every bit as exciting as a traditional spy story. Telbat brings home the real life danger and suspense that Christians around the world face daily as they try to live their faith. I will definitely be thinking and praying more after having read Dark Liaison.

There were some flaws in this debut novel—a little too much explaining and not enough action at times, a few areas in which my disbelief was not suspended well enough. But I look forward to reading the next book in the series, sure that the writer will continue to improve his considerable skill.

 

Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station

Time and Again is available at Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com in paperback and ebook formats for Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

But to get a signed copy, check the Event Schedule to find a signing event near you. If you live too far away, visit my  Book Store  to order yours. I'll be happy to send you a signed copy right away.

  Download Time and Again Chapter One 

 

 

Here's What People Are Saying are saying about Time and Again:

I liked, liked, liked, loved it!! Great description of places and things. I could picture exactly what you were describing and the story line is great! Have thought of several more people I would like to get a copy to. I will be placing another order for more books soon!

As a history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me, vividly, to another time and place; a place I know existed, but is long ago gone. The characters in the book are so well developed that I could "see" them. Teens and beyond will love this book. It is interesting, intriguing and wholesome. The author weaves yesterday and today together in a way that definitely keeps your attention and leaves you wanting more.

This is a well written book that kept my attention from the first page. The characters are believable and likable and I cared about them -- those in the here and now, and those from the past. Positive, but not annoyingly sappy characters; a mystery that's fun but not tied to the supernatural dark side that's so prevalent in so many books right now. Fascinating as the two main characters are able to watch history unfold, literally before their own eyes with a neat modern twist, while it shapes (as history should) their own lives. It's a great book for teens and young adults (even older ones). An impressive first book by the author, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

Terri basically devoured it the first day or so. Terri says it has her hoping it's just the first in a series and that there will be more to follow kind.

Time and Again, Charlotte of Miles Station is must read for those who love history, uplifting themes, and well conceived characters. As a language arts teacher, I am often dismayed by the lack of writing skills shown by many popular authors. It was truly refreshing to meet normal (but not sanctimonious) characters who live normal (but not perfect) lives. The threads of the plot (present day and Southern Illinois history) were deftly entwined. The author's mastery of description is what truly kept me reading. You can rest assured that there are several passages of this novel that will find a place in my descriptive writing lessons!

I realize that the book "Time and Again". . . is a novel for young adults.  I also realize that I am not so young anymore.  But I do enjoy reading a good book even if it is for a different age group than I am currently.  By page 2 I was hooked.  I loved her writing style.  She is not superfluous. She is very descriptive and I believe that I know exactly what the house in the story looked like.  I also enjoyed the fact that she brought the characters to life.  

Two Thumbs up for "Time and Again!"  Kathy and I thoroughly enjoyed your book Debby. Your imagination and writing skills are awesome! Your writing as a whole was very good, but when you went to the time machine mode it was "to die for."  We certainly enjoyed the wonderful history of the area packed into the story, and the characters with their dialog and mannerisms were really neat.  When the readers whine for more at the end of the book, you know they'll read your next one.

 

 Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station 

Abby expected to spend the summer in the old house in Nowhereville  getting to know her student Merrideth. She didn’t expect to get to know Charlotte Miles, the girl who had lived there 160 years before. 

She planned to tutor Merrideth in math and English—not history.   

But that’s before the freaky program on her new computer started waking her with its invitation to “take a virtual tour." Turns out, a lot happened in that old house. . . .   

. . . and the history books left out the good stuff.

 BOOK TRAILER

 

 

 

 

 

Scribophile Is an Option to Consider

The hard work of revising Honor at Stake continues. My new friends at Scribophile (and others) are finding lots of ways to improve it, stuff I was blind to. My response to most of their comments is, duh, I should have seen that myself. But after nearly a year of writing the book, I realize I’m too close to it to see what’s clearly on the page—or for that matter, what’s not on the page but should be. I am so grateful for these fresh eyes.

Having a local writer’s group would be wonderful, but I have not been able to find one close enough. I highly recommend Scribophile for writers in the same situation. Being a member has dual benefits. I get my work critiqued. I learn valuable lessons from critiquing other members’ work, both what to do and what not to do. And then there are the benefits of critiquing on my own schedule and not taking valuable writing time to travel. The downside for Scribophile is that it takes time to earn enough “Karma” points to post my chapters for critique. It’s taken a month to get eighteen chapters posted (only four more to go), and so far only six of them have received critiques.

But eventually, after taking the bits of advice that seem appropriate (and politely ignoring those that don’t) I’ll go through my manuscript with a fine toothed comb once last time. I’ve decided my next step will be to send it off to The Writer’s Edge, a “manuscript screening service for 75 cooperating Christian publishers.” For a fee, they will evaluate it and tell me if it is “publishable.” If they deem it so, they will send out a synopsis to their member publishers and see if any of them are interested in offering me a contract. If they deem my manuscript unready, they will offer advice (though not a detailed critique) on how to improve it. By the way, paid critique services cost hundreds of dollars.

If a publisher picks up my book through The Writer’s Edge, I may decide not to pursue an agent after all. Or maybe I should still get one to better protect my contract rights? But then again, I’d really like to avoid paying an agent 15% of my blood, sweat, and tears. If I am not successful with Writer’s Edge, it will be back to the drawing board. Here’s hoping (and praying) for success!

 

The Moral of the Story Is . . .

I’m on chapter four of a Christian young adult novel. It starts out with an interesting premise, involves time travel, great characters, and excellent writing. I’ve loved it so far and can’t wait to see what happens. Review to come.

But I was a bit startled in chapter four when the main character suddenly begins calling upon God to help her. It’s not that she shouldn’t, but why did she not do so at any of the scarier, more suspenseful events that happened in the first three chapters?

In another Christian YA novel I recently read, a parody of Hell fire and brimstone preaching was the only “inspirational” element I found, at least before putting it down only half read.

It’s not that I purchase Christian fiction hoping to be preached at. This is what I was subjected to in another book—really a sermon disguised as a novel—by another best-selling author.

Her 16-year-old character had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. I lost track of how many interruptions to the actions I endured while she thought spiritual thoughts and prayed. That probably makes me sound like a heathen. But like most people, what I’m looking for is a good story with believable but heroic characters. And by heroic I don’t mean perfect, sugary sweet, able to spout Bible verses and Christian jargon with a single bound.

 

And I know I’m not the only one put off by this. These are excerpts from actual Amazon.com reviews of a Christian novel:

The book started really well, and I saw it as very promising, especially with accurate historical references . . . But as it dragged on, it became less of a novel and more of a over-religious Christian story. . . .The exaggerated evils and virtues of the main characters became a bit too hard to swallow as the story progressed.

. . . once the heavy-duty Christian proselytizing began, my interest waned. . . once I started feeling beaten about the head and shoulders with a religion stick, the author lost me.

I kept ignoring the signs, hoping the christian theme was just a plot element, but at exactly 62% in, I started getting hit hard with the proselytizing. I have to give the book 4 stars because the writing is awfully good, but if you're like me and can't tolerate christian fiction, skip this one and read . . .

Now I realize we’ll never please everyone. Some nonbelieving readers will be offended at any whiff of Christianity. On the other hand, some Christian readers will be offended by the slightest bit of realism. But to reach the widest audience with the gospel through our fiction, we must continue to hone our skills--with characterization, dialogue, plot, but also our weaving skills. We must learn to weave biblical values and themes throughout so we aren’t left with trying to patch them onto the story.

 

HOW NOT TO WRITE HISTORICAL FICTION

I want to talk about the other Christian novel I mentioned last time.

Since it “takes a fresh look at the idea of time travel” I thought I would give it a try. This is the debut novel for this author, but even so, shouldn’t she (and her editor) know better than to write this?

Then Kyle and Jackson squeezed in between Jenna and I on the couch. (Ouch! My ears hurt.)

I noticed her rubbing her lower back as her wearied face winced. (This disembodied face is creeping me out.)

She is my confidant. (confidant what? Oh, she means confidante.)

Eddie didn’t believe it was proper for a housemaster to open his own door. (She is trying to give an 1887 tone to the writing, but I’ve never heard of a housemaster. Is this some college dorm monitor? I think she means the master of the house.)

William heeded me no attention. (This almost works.)

After all, she and I spent our weekdays together at prep. (She keeps referring to her school as “prep.” She could have pulled it off if she had ever once given the name of the school. Like maybe Johnsonville Girls’ Preparatory School, so we’d know what the heck she’s talking about. Even then “prep” should be Prep. In any case this nickname for the school doesn’t sound like something a young woman from 1887 would say.

I never voiced that opinion to anyone except Jackson and William since it was unheard of in our home. (What does this even mean?)

Even for a woman of her stature, she had a petite and delicate grace about her. (This is an amazing achievement, although I’m not sure it’s a compliment to say her grace is only petite.)

I took a deep breath and tried to force myself on my calculus but couldn’t concentrate to save my life. (This is illegal in most southern states.)

“Come on in,” she hollered to Hilary. (Hollered is such an unlovely word and so out of character for the time period. I’d just stick to “said.”

In 1887 I really doubt people used the same idioms/slang we do.

 I grew up having a crush on Jackson. 

At least I had one person I could count on.

William came running out of the house to read me the riot act.

And this is just a sampling from the first few chapters!  I couldn’t take it anymore. Blood running from my eyes and ears from the pain, I stopped reading and threw the book across the room. Once again, Christian fiction let me down. And then I wondered if it even was “Christian.” After all, is it Christian to torture readers, to risk the lives of others in the room when the books start flying? But then again, even this book serves a purpose: practice for the author and a warning to us all to continue striving for excellence.