Jen Cudmore's Blog, page 35

ROAD RALLY Contest from Helping Hands Press

Want a chance to win a Kindle Paperwhite?

The ROAD RALLY starts today!

Join 14 authors from Helping Hands Press this month for a blog tour. Each week, 2-3 authors will be featured as a pit stop. When you visit the featured blog and leave a comment or follow the author on social media, you’ll be emailed a word from each author.The goal is to get all 14 words and put them together into a phrase.

The final stop will be the Helping Hands Blog. They will explain how to send in your answer for verification. The first 3 people who can put the phrase together at the end of the 4 weeks will win!

I’ll post the author and the link on Facebook and Twitter as they come. You can also find the information on the Helping Hands social media as well.

The first stop is Linda Rondeau.

Have fun and drive fast!

Review by Miki: Halflings

Title & Author: Halflings by Heather Burch

Short summary: This story is about an average teen who turns out to be special. Nikki thinks she is only dreaming when ‘hot’ half angels save her life more than once. She doesn’t believe they are half angels at first.

What I liked about the story: I like how the story switches people without warning and how they use someone normal to be a very special person. Nikki falls in love but is not allowed and can get in serious trouble. I was mad when my mom stopped me from reading before I was finished.

What I liked about the writing: I like how the author is careful not to give anything away in the context.

Review by Miki, age 10

Summary from Goodreads:  After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with. A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in their earthly mission, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One By One

Publication is not the finish line; I knew that when I first signed the contract with my publisher. And I thought I had a handle on how much work I would have to put into promoting my book. Turns out, my expectations weren’t quite correct.

I knew from the start the readers would come – I have no trouble believing that promise. However, God didn’t give me a time frame of how quickly the numbers would rise. And while I was fairly certain I wouldn’t hit the New York Times bestseller list by the end of the year, I assumed by now I’d have more Twitter and FB followers than I do.

So I was thinking to myself last month, where did I go wrong? Am I not trying hard enough? I can only do so much, since I’m working a day job while taking care of a family. I’ve found myself a few times wondering why I’m working so hard to put up regular blogs on my website when hardly anyone is reading them. Why isn’t everyone who knows me running out to buy my books? Why is no one commenting or sharing my posts? All the worry and doubt makes me feel blue.

But God gave me some kisses last week (a friend of mine told me that blessings are really God leaning down to kiss your head/cheek to remind you He still cares). One friend informed me she was greatly encouraged by a blog post. And my husband discovered that we can indeed take the family trip we had planned for next spring, so I’ve had visions of palm trees and sandy beaches popping through my brain!

My point is, when you’re feeling blue, you must remind yourself of what really matters. I’m on the path God’s chosen for me. I have a great family, fantastic day job, and hey, I’m a published author! The truth sets me free from gloom every time I choose to dwell on it. That’s why it’s so important to count blessings.

A couple years ago I challenged myself to 100 days of writing out what I was thankful for. I was amazed that I really could come up with 100 different things!  Here are some of the items on my list:

The smell of coffee brewing, hugs from my kids, my husband’s loyalty, puppy kisses, beautiful music, chocolate, and girls’ night out.

Now, tell me some of yours . . .

Television and Childhood Innocence

I was in college when I first learned the concept of protecting childhood innocence. I had the privilege of meeting clinical psychologist Dianne Medved, author of Saving Childhood, in one of my psychology classes. One area she discussed was the negative effects of television on childhood. Her husband, Michael Medved, was a movie critic and had just written a book titled Hollywood vs. America. I had the privilege of meeting him when I took a class on the anatomy of film.

Many parents agree that television shows and movies are filled with so much immorality that our society has become desensitized. The Medveds point out that Hollywood uses its power irresponsibly. Most of America would prefer less cursing, violence, and nudity and yet movies and television promote such acts as ‘no big deal’.

Many studies show the connection between constant exposure to violence on TV and aggressive behavior. The incline of social violence directly correlates to the type of movies and TV shows being produced. For example, the Medveds point out that after a child watches a show such as Power Rangers, they are many times more likely to engage in acts of aggression.

Television also promotes growing up too fast. Children are constantly getting into adult situations and “succeeding” in them. Many programs also suggests that children are smarter than their parents and teachers, which diminishes authority and adds to the sense of entitlement in our society. Men are often depicted as stupider than their wives/girlfriends, and relationships are portrayed not as a partnership, but that women are in control. But, such behavior is okay because it’s only meant to be cute and funny.

I also disdain the prevalence of dating and the encouragement of boyfriend/girlfriend relationships in young teens. What’s the rush? There are decades of adulthood, but only a few years of childhood – we must encourage our children to enjoy it, not pretend to be grownups.

Limiting TV is often a struggle for me because I’m a busy mom. In our home when we watch shows that may contain questionable situations, I join my children for a few episodes. I’ve very selective, even when it comes to the Disney Channel because the messages are so subtle. On one of our favorite shows, the mother frequently tries to steal the media spotlight (which is typically quite funny) but I often point out how selfish and inappropriate the behavior is.

A great resource my husband and I use when we’re trying to decide if we should take our children to a movie is Plugged In by Focus on the Family. They do reviews and give specific details. We really appreciate this site! 

Both these books by the Medveds break down the problem of television into much more detail and I highly recommend parents read through them. What people focus on and put into their minds affects them in one way or another, so what we allow our children to participate in will have consequences. As parents, we’re responsible to God for how we raise our children. We must protect them and limit their exposure to the negative influences on television.

Establishing Rhythm and Pace

When it comes to writing a novel, rhythm and pace are a big factor in creating a compelling story. Rhythm and pace are controlled by the length of each word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter.

Here’s a simple formula to follow:

   Short sentences, paragraphs and chapters = faster pace.

If you’re writing a scene with a lot of action or energy, use shorter sentences and paragraphs. One or two word sentences raise intensity, as does a paragraph with only one or two sentences.

   Long sentences, paragraphs, and chapters = slower pace.

Readers sometimes find long paragraphs and chapters daunting. Long blocks of wording give a feeling that extra effort is required to read that particular section. However, there are times when the author needs to insert these fuller sections to help calm the pace of the story after a high energy section.

   The trick is balance.

Too much action and the reader will become exhausted. Not enough action and the reader will get bored. Keep it varied. You don’t want the reader to pause because they got lost, or to skip a section because it was too tedious. Each sentence, paragraph, and chapter must flow smoothly.

You don’t want every page to look the same. On my first manuscript I worked hard to keep the chapters all the same length. Then I realized it was not only okay to vary the length, it’s actually beneficial. So give your manuscript a quick skim and see how you did at varying your structure.

What I’ve Learned From Working Two Jobs

For several years my husband held two jobs. I’ve been writing for seven years while also working 6-7 hours during the day. Needless to say, life has been a little rough for our family! Is it possible for busy families to stay strong?

Here are some things I’ve learned from working two jobs:

1)      Regular quiet time is essential. Being busy is exhausting. I find I have to tap into the strength of my Maker often in order to keep up with the hurried pace of my life. I can usually reach about 2-3 hours a week, whether its reading my Bible, deep prayer, or studying a book I feel God wants me to read. Even Jesus grew weary and needed to rejuvenate.

2)      Prayer works. I learned what it means to pray without ceasing. My husband survived on 4-5 hours of sleep every day for several years. He should have crashed or gotten ill, but he didn’t.  I prayed constantly for God’s provision and protection, sometimes even when I woke in the middle of the night.

3)      Don’t feel guilty for saying ‘no’. I am often asked to participate in parties or help with extra projects at church. I really don’t like turning down these invitations, but I remind myself it’s only for a season. We all must make sacrifices to reach a desired goal. Someday I’ll have more free time to participate.

4)      Planning family time is a must. When quantity of time diminishes, my family shoots for quality time. We schedule dinners, game nights, etc. When we’re together, we laugh at jokes, discuss serious family issues, or enjoy our favorite shows. We try not to waste a minute. I can usually tell when my family is starting to run on empty and I need to give them my undivided attention.

5)      Use each spare moment. I’ve learned to make use of every bit of spare time. I plan story scenes when I’m in the shower. I pray in the car on the way to work each morning or make important calls from my bluetooth. I write blogs during my break time at work. One time when I took my kids for haircuts, I carried my binder inside so I could organize my calendar while I waited.

6)      Weekly days of rest are necessary. My family usually sticks with Sundays. After church we try to do nothing but lay around the house together. We read, nap, watch TV – we just take the afternoon off to be lazy. Sometimes this means packing the rest of the week with extra activities, but we work hard to protect our rest days. Each Monday I feel physically and mentally refreshed and ready to tackle the next week.

7)      What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Folks told me that my marriage and my family would fall apart because we are just too busy. Yet we’re still seeing God’s blessing on our lives and I feel like we’re more united than ever. Working two jobs isn’t ideal, but God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and that’s what my family is trying to do.

What have you learned from being busy?

To Reach Your Dream, You Must Know Who You Are

Writing a book is a personal journey that comes from within. When you follow that inspiration, the world will respond. If you’re like me, you believe God gave you the story and the dream, which means He’ll provide a way for them to be realized. But you still have to do your part.

Be sure you understand who you are as an individual and what you have to give to others:

+  Accept your differences. How does your family and your heritage affect who you are and what you’ll become? Because we are individuals, our approach to story will be unique. While there are practical formulas for structuring a manuscript, only you can know the process of sharing your story in a way that works for you. Find the method that suits you. Know your own rhythm and pace. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and learn to use them to your advantage.

+  Know what inspires you. What do you have an emotional connection to? In her book The Way of Story, Catherine Ann Jones said “Emotions derived from all we have lived and felt passionate about become a rich well which every good writers will draw from,” and “It’s the emotional power of your story that will ultimately determine its success.” It’s not what happens in your story, but how what happens affects and changes the main character, and ultimately the reader. Creativity has no boundaries, and bits of your story may come to you in many different ways.

+  Choose to work hard. Everyone who has achieved greatness had to earn it. Reaching the end doesn’t just happen; you must put in some effort. Dreams develop over time. Writing takes courage, and it’s not about overcoming fear but continuing in spite of it, fighting your way through the obstacles no matter what. Are you prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to accomplish each task that leads to the ultimate goal? Are you willing to work hard, or will you give up?

Understanding who you are gives you freedom and clarity. Once you have that, you can, as the saying goes, “spread your wings and fly”.

Review by Nate: An Angel’s Point of View

Title & Author: An Angel’s Point of View by Mike Glenn

Short Summary: When Scott is a teenager, he sees a glimpse of Hell and realizes how low he’s gotten. Saquerel is tasked with being Scott’s guardian and joy fills him with the promotion. Little do either of them know, the Liar will do his best to kill them both.

What I liked about the story:  I really liked that the whole story was written from Saquerel’s point of view.

What I liked about the writing: I thought it was cool that the story was more of a biography but it still captured you with how much God can work in a person’s life.

Review by Nate, 13 years old

Amazon summary: When demonic spirits jump the veil between the physical world and the spiritual world, attempting to destroy the soul of potential spiritual warrior Scott Green, God allows Scott’s guardian angel to step in and provide divine protection. As the oldest son of a young unwed mother who struggles to pay the bills and provide shelter in housing projects, Scott veers off his path into danger often. Now Saquerel must assist the fatherless teen through the gauntlet of demonic snares and at the same time reveal Scott’s identity as a son and Father’s inclusion of him.

Character Profile: Trace and Lynette (Athena Creek)

Some authors post blogs detailing more information about characters in their stories. I thought I’d give it a shot and see how you all enjoy it. Today I’ve chosen Trace and Lynette from the first Lawmen of Clayton County story, Athena Creek.

Trace Ingram:

Physical features – Tall and thin, shoulder-length blonde hair, mustache, stern expression, always wears black. Picture a young Sam Elliot (see ‘who does that character look like?’) and that deep voice that gives you the chills when he speaks.

Personality – Grounded and logical, deep sense of justice

Backstory – As a boy, came across the Oregon Trail by covered wagon with his family. Parents have now passed away, one sister (Caroline) with a husband and children. Had a couple deputy jobs here and there. Desires a place to belong and someone to believe in him.

Creative process – I envisioned Trace as the stereotypical cowboy you’d see in a John Wayne movie, Marty Robins song, or Louis L’Amour story. As Gram would say “Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm!”

Lynette Ellis:

Physical features – Light brown hair usually in a long braid down her back, broad shoulders

Personality – Tough and feisty, often acts before thinking, independent  and stubborn

Backstory – Three siblings – all thieves and scoundrels, drunk father and enabling mother. Desires a chance to make a better life than her family members.

Creative process – Lynette, the beginning of the entire series, was envisioned one day as I listened to a Carrie Underwood song. I’ll give you one guess – that’s right, it was Before He Cheats. As I listened to the words, I wondered what a woman from the old west would do if she found her man cheating. Thus, the story was born, and two more followed, creating the Lawmen of Clayton County. I had a lot of fun writing scenes where she is impulsive! Tell me – did you enjoy the chocolate cake?

What is one of your favorite attributes of Trace or Lynette?

The 6 Elements of Movement and Suspense

Another important aspect of writing is to balance conflict. I found Elizabeth Lyon’s book Manuscript Makeover especially helpful on this topic.

The author lists six elements for creating movement and building suspense.

Actions (outer and inner): Characters must have a certain amount of strength and initiative to propel a story. They must physically and mentally take steps toward a goal. These actions must be varied and balanced to make the story flow well.
Reactions: Characters respond to situations through movement, thoughts, and emotions. Again, be sure they are balanced. The author recommends ensuring there is action on every page of the story.
Emotions: Feelings contribute to the flow of a scene. Constantly changing emotions builds intensity. Without them, the story has a mechanical feel to it.
Reversals: Readers learn what to expect as they read. One way to keep them interested is to do the unexpected with a character or a scene, as long as isn’t extreme.
Subtext: Every story has characters with hidden agendas. The trick is to convey them subtly in a way that builds tension. The author provides a nice list of sources that make good subtext.
Raising Questions: When a reader picks up a book, they immediately make a list of questions about the story. The author’s job is to keep them wanting to know more. This means information must be given out little by little. However, the answers must be drawn out in such a way as to keep the reader guessing but not frustrated.