Tez Brooks's Blog: TezBrooks.com, page 6

10 Easy Tips for Finishing Your Manuscript

Half the battle is getting words on a page. Try dictating your story into a recording device that you can transcribe later. Or buy voice recognition software that types as you speak. Most laptops have that already installed. If neither of those excites you, just type, don’t edit as you go. Make yourself type without looking at the screen. Save your editing for another day because you can’t use both sides of your brain at the same time and expect to make progress.

2. Create what I call a “parking lot” where you store all the ideas, quotes, or other stories that don’t fit anywhere else. Go back to it regularly to see if you have found a place for them. If not, don’t use them. Maybe they are for another book altogether.

3. Try creating an outline, so you aren’t flying by the seat of your pants (i.e. a pantser). Getting organized may be exactly what you need to focus on each chapter’s topic.

4. Buy some sticky notes and a tri-fold science project board. Use them to organize and re-organize your manuscript by writing ideas on notes and moving them around when you realize a story works better in a different chapter or section.

5. Research, take polls using Facebook or SurveyMonkey. Interview people. Information collected from these resources make your book richer while you become an expert on the topic.

6. How is your writing environment? Create a place where you can be productive. Make sure the lighting and temperature is comfy, and your desk/chair is erognomically correct. Is the view from the window inspiring or distracting? Ideally, your writing nook should have a door you can close, to keep others from disturbing you.

7. Turn off your notifications on your phone and laptop. Commit to writing a certain word count each day.

8. Read more and watch TV less. Reading in your genre makes you a better writer. Watching movies is not nearly as productive unless you are writing a screenplay.

9. Join a writer’s group or attend a writer’s conference to learn your craft. Critiques from other writers provides much more honest and educated feedback than critiques from non-writers.

10. Create a One Sheet and proposal–even if you plan to self-publish. These documents help keep you focused and organized on the right thing…your audience. One Sheets and proposals force you to ask, “What’s in it for the reader?”

There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That’s a ridiculous myth some newspaper columnist made up as an excuse to his editor for being lazy. There are twenty more things you can do to become more productive in writing that book, but for now, implement these ideas and watch what happens. Now go write!

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Published on October 11, 2022 14:38

Getting to Know The Author

In a recent interview, the host asked me some of these unique questions that I thought were fun enough to pass on to readers…enjoy.

What kind of writing do I do?

Mostly non-fiction, but I’m diving into fiction too. I’ve authored or co-authored fourteen books. I’m currently working on a survival guide for young adults just leaving home.

What about me might surprise you?

Many folks think I’m just a big teddy bear, but I used to work as a sergeant at a maximum-security prison. I don’t talk much about it but I have a lot of stories. And I’m pretty good with a gun. Oh, and one time I ate a rat and a tarantula….but that wasn’t while working at the prison. It was on a mission trip.

What’s my favorite book on writing?

Currently, Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need (Blake Snyder). He writes down to earth rather than academically. I love what I’m learning.

Do I have a favorite or signature Bible verse?

Phil 3:12 “I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward the day when I will finally everything he saved me for and wants me to be.”

What is my least favorite chore?

Weeds. So much work with no lasting reward. They are back in a week. So fruitless.

What is my writing routine?

You’re funny.

What do I do when I’m not writing?

I watch movies and think about how I should be writing instead of being a coach potato. I also work as the Director of Journalism for a mission organization where I get the privilege of traveling the world to collect stories of changed lives.

Am I a night or morning person?

Mornings for sure. I spring out of bed happy to be alive. It’s very annoying to my family.

When I was little, what did I want to grow up to be?

Wait, when did I grow up?

What is my favorite smell? Sight? Sound?

Okay don’t laugh. Even though I don’t smoke I love the smell of a freshly lit cigarette outside. Not inside, that’s awful—but outside in the open air on a crisp fall day. It smells great to me…that and car exhaust. I know, I need counseling.

Favorite sight? Probably the Rocky Mountains and surrounding area. It never gets old. I live in Colorado and every morning it’s a gluttony for the eyes.

My favorite sound is Australian songbirds. As a missionary, I used to live near in Melbourne, Victoria and I so miss waking up to the sound of cockatoos, lorikeets, lyrebirds, and kookaburras greeting the day.

The best part of waking up is…

Jesus and coffee, and not necessarily in that order.

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Published on October 04, 2022 09:48

Helplessness: An Excerpt from “Debriefing”

Helplessness

I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:13 (CEV)

Dispatchers for 911 calls deal with a lot of challenges. The stress is so intense many don’t last more than two years before leaving. Working nights compounds the issue as the weirdos come out at night.

I recently read about Jannette (name changed) who knows full well the stress her job entails. During her shifts, she learned some tricks to help her deal with the calls.

“Relief for me was mostly snacks and coloring books. Coloring helped me relax. But before I knew it, another call was coming in. The fifty- to sixty-five-year-old suburban empty-nesters are worse than the inner-city people who call with real criminal issues. At least when the folks living in the bad part of town call, a valid incident is happening. Suburbanites call just because they see a guy fishing without a license. Then get angry when the officer doesn’t arrive immediately with sirens blaring.”

Other times, dispatchers like Jannette deal with more serious events. Often once the police or ambulance arrives on the scene, she doesn’t have the advantage of hearing if someone lived or died.

“It was some time after midnight when we got several calls. One from the owner of a house that had just been hit by a semi-truck, one from the neighbor, and one from the driver who was trapped in the cab.

“I was on the call. The man was trapped in the cab and was more worried about the people in the house than himself. He kept saying, ‘I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.’ Then he starts screaming, ‘Oh God. I can smell the diesel. I’m going to die. I’m gonna die in here.’

“I was trying to calm him down, but it ignited before the fire department got there. I can still hear the explosion, him screaming, then nothing. I hung up and walked away. I didn’t come back until my next shift.”

For 911 operators, there’s often nothing they can do. Yet they are the ones from whom the caller expects miracles. Many Bible passages remind us that one crucial way to demonstrate compassion is to take action here to lend a helping hand. Dispatching help into your community is a powerful act. It may not always be easy, but God calls upon all of us to serve others. And he will reward our efforts.

Whatever your job, as a first responder, you’re helping people daily to face life’s big problems and emergencies. That’s a respectable and heroic calling, even if you may feel helpless to change a situation. Place all those frustrations in God’s lap, for he can do miracles, and ultimately, it’s his job.

Dispatch:Proverbs 3:27Matthew 25:44-45James 2:14-17Investigate:

What boundaries might you need to ensure that you avoid burnout in your job? Explore ways you can de-stress after hectic incidents.

Debrief:

Father, when the stress of my work wears me down, give me stamina to keep going. When people demand help who don’t really have an emergency, help me be patient and kind. And when urgent help is needed, and I feel helpless to speed things up or slow them down, teach me to trust your timing and your perfect will. Amen.

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Published on September 20, 2022 10:00

Should You Buy Tez’s New Book?

Listen to his recent interview on The Author Show. #ReadABook #TheAuthorsShow

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Published on September 07, 2022 16:25

Tez is now on the radio!

Beginning October 1st 2022, Tez can be heard on Christian Mix 106 every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.

The 90-second spot is called “I Dare Ya!” and it’s aimed at encouraging believers to conquer their fears when it comes to sharing the gospel with others. the first 10 spots give ideas on how to minister to first responders. The next ten spots will feature ideas for reaching your neighbors.

Christian Mix 106 is an internet-based station that can be accessed anywhere. It’s unique as it doesn’t play the same Top 40 Christian hits over and over, but covers oldies and lesser-known artists along with the regular hits. They live by Mark 16:15 (“Go ye”) and feature some great podcasts, teaching, and devotionals. Here’s a sample of my spot.

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Published on September 02, 2022 08:57