Lynne Stringer's Blog, page 19

The Power of Forgiveness

Today my guest blogger is Lesley Turner. Lesley is a single-again mother of two children with six grandchildren. She is actively involved at her local church as a volunteer administration assistant. Lesley has had two biographies published and co-leads a writing support group at her church. She is an avid reader and loves to help other writers by encouraging, editing, reviewing or using her experiences to assist where she can. Her current WIP is another biography and she has plans to begin work on a devotional in the near future.

 

Thank you Lynne, for the opportunity to tell my story of how I became a published author.

I started writing through a series of amazing events in 1998 at the age of 52. I’ve been an avid reader all of my life, courtesy of encouraging parents, but had never entertained the idea of actually writing a book myself. From a small child I’d appreciated what writers could do with ideas, plots, piecing together stories that I could immerse myself into, taking me to places I could only dream of, whether real or imagined. It was like another world that I could slip into when the mood took me or when I had the time to hide away somewhere with my latest birthday or Christmas gift, or a story carefully chosen from the library.

In 1998 a cousin by marriage came to stay in our house. His daughter was murdered in 1993 and the court proceedings ended with an acquittal of the accused. Ken was looking into taking the perpetrator to civil court much like the OJ Simpson case. I was asked to help by formulating letters to lawyers, judges, politicians, etc. I also assisted with research into legal matters. One day, while out walking, he asked me to write his book. I was taken aback to say the least but he suggested I think and pray about it.

To make a long story short, it was God who showed me that it was His plan for me to write. I was clueless as to how to start such a project. I had no computer, was not even slightly computer literate so had to trust God to not only provide the physical means, but also copies of the many documents I would need to research the whole story properly. Six years later Halfway to Justice was accepted by New Holland Publishers in Sydney and was released in March 2005.

Ken had forgiven the perpetrator publicly and although we didn’t hide the forgiveness angle, we didn’t labour the point in this book. A Christian book store (Koorong) wanted to stock it but because of some of the content, they couldn’t. So it was decided to write a Christian version focussing more on forgiveness. The Power of Forgiveness became a reality and was released in February 2009 by the same publisher. There was no fairy tale ending to Halfway to Justice and while writing of The Power of Forgiveness I was having a real struggle about how to end the book. Again it was provided by a final twist in the tale. God knew how this book would end and it gave Ken some closure.

Writing books has opened many other doors for me. I am an editor (with ‘L’ plates), a reviewer when I get the chance (still learning what to do on Goodreads), a proof reader when asked, and I actively encourage writers whenever I can. God has given me a special gift, entrusting me to use it wisely and well. I love to assist others and co-lead a writing support group at my church. It is a pleasure to pass on what God has taught me over my journey and I delight in seeing others getting published.

 

 

 

The Biggest Adventure of All

Today my guest blogger is Anusha Atukorala. Anusha has always been enchanted with the English language. She’s been writing all her life; scribbling poetry, creating stories and composing songs. Mostly, she’s been writing from her heart on her joyful God-adventures. Her favourite activities include reading, writing, walking, singing, making friends, sharing the love of Jesus and connecting with people. She lives in Adelaide with her husband Shan and their son Asela. Her website, Dancing in the Rain, can be found at http://anusha-atukorala.webnode.com/. Do visit her and say G’day.
Anusha is giving away a free copy of her book. Enter a comment below to enter the draw to win!

The year was 2009. I was in Sri Lanka attending my niece’s wedding. Two years before, I’d heard God’s call to become a writer. Five years before, I’d begun writing my first book. It had been a slow process – one little story at a time. That year, 2009, I had finally finished it. So there I was, enjoying a coffee with friends prior to flying back home the next day. My friend Romesh asked me what I was doing in terms of work. I told him that I’d just finished writing a book and was looking for a publisher.

He said he’d find me one. I’m not sure if I believed him. But Romesh called back that same night. He had some exciting news. He’d spoken to a publisher he knew. The publisher was keen to meet with me and to view my book. Before I flew out the next night – the unthinkable had occurred. The publisher (Back to the Bible Sri Lanka) clinched a deal with me – just like that. Yes, my book was accepted for publication. Talk of miracles. There it was. My miracle. (What a good thing I carried it on my USB stick!)

It was the beginning of an amazing adventure; that of getting my first book published. Because the publisher and I lived oceans apart, there were a few difficulties to overcome. But I had a fantastic partner working with me from BTTB, Sri Lanka. Shantini and I corresponded daily – and together, we saw the book to its publication. It took ten months and hundreds of emails flying back and forth across the miles. It was a lot of hard work but I enjoyed every moment. I’m sure other authors will agree with me that there is little to compare with the thrill of having one’s first book published. My talented niece, Dilshara Hill, provided beautiful sketches and stunning photographs for my book.

In July 2010, my family and I boarded a plane for our once-in-three-years holiday in Sri Lanka. This time there was added impetus to get there. I’d planned my book launch to coincide with our holiday. What an exciting time it was. Over 100 family members and well-wishers gathered for the launch, held in a church hall. I was blessed to have Ajith Fernando – a well known Christian writer, speaker, teacher and director of Youth for Christ (where God found me) as chief guest. Richard Brohier, who’d been on the staff at YFC, was there to sing a beautiful song of thanks and praise to begin the proceedings.

Anusha and her husband at the book launch

My beloved mum – a journalist of almost seventy years, spoke at the event. I sang a song I’d composed, ‘Enjoying the Journey’ and spoke a few words. My husband and son helped light the traditional oil lamp at the start of the proceedings. Family members joined in with many other exciting aspects of the launch. So what’s ‘Enjoying the Journey’ about?

It contains snippets on day to day life encouraging readers to find God in their daily everyday lives. It reminds them that they are unique and special and have a significant part to play in life’s journey.

The blogs in my website, Dancing in the Rain, are in fact a continuation of ‘Enjoying the Journey’ as I share all God teaches me through the bad times and the good; as I reflect on this tough, bewildering, strange, but also beautiful, fantastic, amazing journey we call life. I have discovered that the secret to enjoying my journey is to have a Guide who knows the way and knows what it’s all about. His name is Jesus.

The joy of having my first book published remains with me to this day, much like the thrill, wonder and excitement I experienced when my son was born twenty-four years ago. I have discovered that a writer’s life is rich and satisfying – not just because of the end product of having a book published but also because (like my journey with God) – my writing life brings me great joy and fulfillment just in the doing of it. I’m deeply grateful to God for blessing me with joy and fulfillment through my daily walk with Him and through the adventure being a writer called to share God’s love with His world.

The Story that Wrote Itself

This is the first of my special guest blogs! I’ve asked some of my author friends to blog about the first book they ever wrote/had published.
Today our blogger is Cecily Paterson. Cecily is the author of seven books, including her memoir Love Tears & Autism, which won third place in the 2012 Australian Christian Book of the Year Awards. Her YA novel, Invisible, recently reached semi-final status in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel of the Year Award. Her latest novel is Love and Muddy Puddles, available online.

When I was in my twenties I worked for a very smart, very capable, very generous man in his sixties. Our office always celebrated birthdays and when it was my boss’s turn to blow out the candles, I cheekily asked him, “So, how old are you, David?”

It was supposed to be slightly naughty; to shine a spotlight on the fact that I was young and he was old, that my hair was dark and his was greying. It was supposed to be a dig in the ribs at his expense.

But the joke turned out to be on me.

“I don’t know how old I am,” he said.

“You’re kidding, right?” I said. I wasn’t sure if this was his idea of being funny.

“No,” he said. It was true. He hardly ever joked. “I really don’t know how old I am.”

“How can you not? What are you talking about? Tell me what’s going on?” I spurted. Everyone else in the office stopped munching cake and joined in the questions.

He smiled at our faces and gave us some very vague, general nothings about being an orphan and being adopted and having no papers, but he laughingly refused to answer any more specific questions and let our mouths hang open at the beginning of a story that he clearly was never going to tell.

I thought that was that.

Six years later, after I had left that job and had two babies, I got a call.

“It’s time to write my biography,” he said. “I wonder if you’d like to do it.” He added: “It is a fairly interesting story.”

Well, yeah!

With a publisher lined up and the plot sorted out, I wasn’t about to say no. Really, the only question was one he asked me pretty early on.

“How long do you think it will take you to write?”

I was conservative. After all, there was research to do. People to talk to. Things to Find Out. Plus all the writing. And my time was limited, with a six year old at school and a two year old at home.

“Um, maybe 18 months?” I said.

A week later I did a pregnancy test, and revised my estimate.

“It’ll be more like eight months.”

Honestly? The story wrote itself. His childhood (and subsequent career) was even more interesting and astounding than I could have guessed. And I was delighted when the publisher rang to tell me that both he and his wife had cried when they read it.

Win.

About two weeks after the book was finished, my third baby was born, and about two months after that, Never Alone: the remarkable story of David and Robyn Claydon was published. I can tell you which was the easier labour! Even more exciting, it was shortlisted in the following year’s Australian Christian Book of the Year Awards. (John Dickson won. But hey, no surprises there.)

I’m grateful to David Claydon three times over; first because he took a chance on a young, green graduate years ago and actually gave me a job; second, because he entrusted his incredible story to me to tell, ten years later; and third, because writing that book brought my dormant dream of ‘being a writer one day’ to life. I learned that I could write a book, that I could, indeed, tell a story and that I could, actually, meet a deadline.

Never Alone is still in print and can be ordered through bookshops or direct from Acorn Press (not the original publishers). It’s a good yarn, though I still say the childhood stuff in the first half is definitely the best bit.

Cecily is offering a free book to anyone who comments on this blog! She will offer an ebook from the bookstore on her website. Go to http://www.cecilypaterson.com/purchase2/ to see what is available and make sure you comment below so that you’re entered in the draw.

 

 

Anne Bronte

Anne’s work is probably the least appreciated of all the Bronte sisters’ work, but I think there was a lot more to quiet Anne than most people think. It must be remembered that she created closely with Emily, the passionate, strong-minded creator of Wuthering Heights, while Charlotte’s creative energies were usually coupled with her brother, Branwell. So what was it that Emily saw in Anne? Perhaps it was just that they were the youngest siblings, or was it a case of opposites attract? Anne was certainly the quiet, submissive soul in comparison with her fiery sister. But there’s no doubt she still had a considerable grasp on literature herself. While her first novel, Agnes Grey, was perhaps not a first-class representative of the literature of the age, and I’m not sure it would have even been remembered if not for the collective Bronte legend, her second book, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, is vastly different, with its honest portrayal of the difficulties of living with an alcoholic, which Anne had experienced firsthand via her brother, Branwell. It was considered shocking at the time, but now would be probably viewed as a trifle restrained. Nonetheless, it is an interesting look at how a charismatic individual can be innately troubled, and eventually, cause his own downfall, and I believe Anne deserves to be remembered on her own merit for this book alone.

Charlotte Bronte

I love Charlotte’s work, just as I love all the Brontes. Not just for their writing, either. Their lives were fascinating, in all its tragedy. If you’ve never read about them I encourage you to do so. Their story is like a soap opera or one of Charles Dickens’ novels.

As for her writing, I remember well when I first read Jane Eyre. I can’t recall reading a book prior to it that had such an overwhelming effect on me. I couldn’t stop reading it, even after I’d finished it. I read it several times, then read it aloud to myself for fun. There was so much in it that was interesting, particularly when it came to Mr Rochester, who drove the story along. When I encountered passages that did not feature him, it was an obvious loss.

As for her other books, Shirley is a strange one. Charlotte, it seemed, did not take criticism of her books well (I can understand that) and as a result, tried to follow the advice of all the critics. I don’t think that was a good idea, and this seems to have caused Shirley’s disjointedness. Also, I don’t think it helped that she wrote this while her sisters were dying. That would have made it difficult to concentrate, I’m sure.

Villette was a frustrating read. Again, she seemed to meander, not sure who the male protagonist really was, but it still held my attention … until the end, when I threw the book across the room. Charlotte didn’t seem too bothered by people’s reaction at this point, so maybe she’d learned that the critics didn’t really matter.

Unlike some other people, I enjoyed The Professor more than Villette. It was the first book she tried to have published, but no one was interested in it until after she’d died. I’m glad we did receive it in the end, but I wish she could have written more. The longest living of all her siblings, she died at the ripe old age of thirty-eight. What a loss it was.

Jane Austen

There’s no doubt that Jane Austen has inspired me although I freely admit that I do prefer the Brontes’ work to hers. Jane’s writing errs a little too much on the side of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’ for me to be supreme fan, although there’s no doubt she had an amazing grasp on not only communication through the written word, but also the social constructs of her time. Her understanding of behaviour in polite society and just what went on under the surface of all this careful use of manners is fascinating. I can only imagine what it would be like to live in a society where such politeness was expected and the suppression of passion and freedom to express yourself was equally demanded. I don’t think I would have been able to live within its confines. I think I would have been most like Marianne Dashwood, although I hope I might have been as self-controlled as Lizzie Bennet. If I’d had a daughter Elizabeth might have ended up being her name, and it would have been owing to the marvellous heroine of Pride and Prejudice. I am also proud of the fact that my maiden name is Bennett, although with two ‘t’s rather than one. Still, it has always made me feel a sense of kinship with Lizzie, although she would have bested me for self-control easily.

I love Jane for giving her to me, along with many other fascinating and intricate characters.

Happy Anniversary – a Reflection on a Year as a Published Author

Sunday 1st June marked exactly a year since my first novel, The Heir, was released. It was surreal reflecting on that, especially since it didn’t seem like a year had passed. The fact that I’ve had two other books released since then should have made me more aware of the passage of time, but it didn’t.

I remember The Heir‘s book launch well. It was exciting to be launching my first novel, but daunting at the same time. How would it be received? Would any of my friends like it? Would any people beyond my circle of friends and family like it? This was the most frightening thing. It’s expected that friends and family will say nice things about your book, but people you don’t know are under no such obligation.

To my relief, The Heir was received well by most people. Of course, there were a few who didn’t like it, but that’s to be expected of any story. We’re all different, after all. However, the overwhelming response has been a positive one. This has continued with both sequels, rounding out my trilogy with much encouraging feedback, which has delighted me.

Over the past year, the many realities of being an author have made themselves plain to me. I am now always looking for another way to promote my books, whether it is at a bookstore signing, a school visit or in a book club. With it has brought a few stresses. It is tricky to find bookstores that are enthusiastic about staging a book signing for an unknown science fiction author. In fact, a lot of doors remain shut unless you have a name, which makes it difficult to get one.

Nevertheless, I am continuing to face these challenges and move forward as an author. I’m taking it one day at a time, hoping that I can get my foot inside a few more doors as time goes on.

If you haven’t read The Heir yet, here’s your chance to get a free copy. To celebrate the anniversary of its release, I’m giving away five copies of The Heir on my Facebook page. All you have to do is go to  this link and COMMENT on the post. Make sure you leave a comment (you can say anything) and you will go into the draw, which will be drawn on Sunday, 8th June.

Here’s to many more years of enjoyable writing!

Stephenie Meyer

I know that including Stephenie Meyer on a list of authors who I find inspiring will be contentious as many authors don’t think much of her. I disagree. And since she inspired me to take up the pen again she deserves to be here.

When I first read Twilight I had just written a screenplay in which I was trying to interest people, to no avail. It was a frustrating time and when it became possible to submerse myself in an imaginary world I took the opportunity and did not regret it. At the time, it had been years since I had read a novel. I had read some non-fiction and was busy with a new baby and trying to do a number of other things, but it had been a long time since a novel had captured my imagination.

That changed drastically from the moment I started reading. I was captivated by the story and loved every minute of all four novels as I devoured them time and time again. One or other of the novels was on my bedside table for over two years.

Not only did I enjoy Stephenie’s world, she woke me up to the myriad of stories running through my head. I had written three manuscript in the nineties which I never did anything with, and when I became involved in writing professionally for a magazine, it killed any enjoyment I had in writing in my spare time. After reading Twilight suddenly I was aware that there were stories in me clamouring to get out and one was soon knocking on my head in a way that demanded attention. So I sat down and started to write it. It became known as The Heir and was quickly followed by The Crown and The Reign.

So I do owe a lot to Stephenie Meyer. Not only did she help my creative side to reawaken, she also gave me another fascinating character to add to my list of favourites. Edward Cullen now ranks as one of my favourite characters of all time. Like most of the protagonists I like, he (contrary to popular belief) has many faults and weaknesses, but has strengths to make up for them. I like characters that have shades of grey and Edward gave me that, with his vampire curse and the nobility that lay underneath that. I shall forever be grateful to Stephenie Meyer for sharing him with me.

Timothy Zahn

Timothy Zahn is another author who has inspired me. I know Timothy’s work mainly through the books he has written continuing the Star Wars saga and I have a lot of admiration for how well he did with them. It’s not easy trying to make someone else’s characters come to life on a page. (I know. I’ve tried.) He did an impressive job at recreating them. The already established characters from Star Wars who featured on the pages of his books were convincing likenesses of their movie counterparts and the new characters and scenarios he introduced were interesting and entertaining. I remember one critic said that you could practically hear John Williams’ score while you were reading it and I found that this was true for me too.

He made the stories believable and made us care about them, something many other Star Wars novelists failed to do, at least with me. I appreciate that he made such a great effort to continue the story of the characters I loved, as you can do that in a novel, whereas when it comes to a movie, the passage of time means that the actors beloved in those roles can no longer play them. Do they recast or do we just imagine them when reading one of Timothy’s stories? I’m happy with the latter.

Vonda L McIntyre

Vonda has done a lot of writing for Star Trek, and although I’m not the biggest Trekkie in the world, I do like it, especially the original series and the movies that were so popular in the eighties. I have three novels by her on my bookshelf. One is Enterprise – The First Adventure, in which she imagines what the first ever voyage was like once James T Kirk became captain of the Enterprise. I thought her ideas of what might have happened were good and true to the characters. I felt she fleshed them out appropriately.

The other two novels I own are the novelisations of Star Trek III – The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV – The Voyage Home. Both are well done and those who commission novelisations of movies should take a leaf out of her book. All too often I have read novels based on movies and they are flimsy and shallow, offering no depth or life to the characters and rarely delving into anything more than exactly what appeared onscreen. It is beyond disappointing when I read a novel like this, because so much more can be found in a written work than can be shown onscreen and it’s annoying when a writer doesn’t develop the characters to their full potential. This wasn’t a problem with Vonda’s novelisations. Perhaps being a Star Trek fan helped as she knew the characters well from their portrayals onscreen so it was easier to put meat on their bones, or perhaps it was just her skill. Whatever the reason, I admire her for it and thank her for giving me books I enjoyed immensely.