Candee Fick's Blog, page 18

I Won NaNoWriMo, But Would I Do It Again?

Well, I did it. I survived National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and along with thousands of other crazy writers, I attempted to write 50,000 words of a new book in the month of November. Actually, my personal goal was to capitalize on the momentum and accountability to jump start the fast draft of this book and then finish it up by mid-December.

By 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, I finished writing chapter 18 (of 23 on my outline) of Sing a New Song and passed that 50,000 word mark. A few cl...

Why I Write – Guest Author Candice Sue Patterson

From time to time, I ask other authors to share a bit of their lives in order to offer encouragement for this journey called life. Today, our guest is Candice Sue Patterson.She’s found the perfect way to blend her interests into lovely nostalgic romantic fiction.

Books aren’t material objects to me–they’re a passion. My love for the written word began before I could read. As a child, I’d surround myself with stacks of books and pretend I was either the librarian or the patron, looking for tha...

Maintaining The Gift

“The gift is from God. My job is maintenance and delivery.”

I honestly can’t remember where I heard this statement but I do remember thinking how truly profound it was. I added the sentiment to the memos in my phone and every time I scroll through looking for that nugget to use in the current work-in-progress, I’m reminded again that I am still developing the gift of writing in my own life.

First, I truly believe God has given me a gift when it comes to storytelling and being able to communic...

Don’t Focus on the Fruit

Today’s post is inspired by a simple but profound statement I heard on a recent podcast:Don’t focus on the fruit and ignore the root.

At the time, I was busy jumping between several writing projects. Updating an older manuscript to submit to agents. Revising the sequel to my latest release. Brainstorming the last book in that series. Reading a book for endorsement. Preparing lessons for a middle school creative writing class. Helping my critique partner update one of her older manuscripts for...

Lessons From a Rowboat

Ever had a day where you felt like you were going in circles and getting nowhere? Exhausted but still far from your destination? Doing all the work with blistered hands and cramping muscles while others comment on the beautiful scenery? Some days life acts like a rowboat and here are few lessons to help ease you through life’s journey.

Know where you want to go. It should go without saying, but a rowboat is just another vehicle to get you to your destination. And even if you’re taking a plea...

Writing Solo or With a Partner – The Story of With

I’ve been writing for a long time now and have published a half-dozen books including my last two novels. But the only name you’ll see on the cover is mine. Which might lead one to believe that I’m writing solo.

Except that couldn’t be further from the truth.You see, wheneverI sit down at the computer to write, I’m not alone. I’ve asked God to be my writing partner. To give me inspiration to solve tricky plot problems. To show me insight into human behavior so my characters come alive in read...

Battlefields and Saratoga Letters

Battles come in all shapes and sizes. From the “friendly” competition between football rivals to jealous backstage manipulations to repeat surgeries to fix a lingering problem to even breaking free from a foreign power to achieve independence. Author Elaine Cooper knows firsthand about those surgeries after facing two of them this summer alone and her newest book, Saratoga Letters, starts with a tale from the Revolutionary War.

The opening heroine, Abigail, finds herself in the middle of mult...

Dance Over Me – Reviews Galore

Can I just say that last week was a blessing? Dance Over Me took a long time to find publication–like almost six years after I wrote it–but I have to believe it came at just the right time. Especially when I’ve spent time reading the first reviews and hearing from other readers how the story touched a place deep in their heart (including one woman who shared about being reunited with her birth mother).

If you haven’t already, head over to Amazon and read the full reviews. But to give you a ta...

Dance Over Me – Opening Day

At long last, the curtain is rising and it’s openingday for Dance Over Me…and there’s a lot going on over at my Facebook Page. In fact, the main character from the novel, Danielle Lefontaine, is taking over for a few days! She’ll be giving backstage tours, introducing other members of the cast, and even sharing a few videos from The Wardrobe’s first show, 42nd Street. I’ll try to circle back here and embed some of the fun stuff for later visitors, but you don’t want to miss it live!

Oh, and i...

Dance Over Me – Meet Alex Sheridan

Welcome to The Wardrobe Dinner Theatre. As we count down toward Opening Day, today we’d like to introduce you to a member of the Sheridan family. Alex is a master at the trumpet and also directs the band. Let’s welcome this talented young man to center stage for a few minutes.

Thanks. I don’t usually get the spotlight. In fact, the band often feels invisible, probably because our orchestra pit is located underneath the main stage.

If you’re out of sight from the audience anyway, why not save...