Are Your Book Chapters Like Pringles?

For many years, I've admired and read the books from New
York Times bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg. We follow each other on Twitter and have
exchanged emails. I've reviewed and promoted his books but never met face to
face. His parents live nearby and attend Calvary Chapel South Denver. When
Joel's father retired after four decades as an architect, they created Ministry
Architecture. I learned about their annual fund raiser at their church,
bought a ticket and attended the event. As a writer, be aware of these types of
events (which may be in your city) then make plans and attend them. In my local
Denver Post newspaper, the Tattered Cover announces author events each week in
the Sunday newspaper. Attending these types of events can give you some unique
opportunities—if you are aware and seize them.



His first novel was The Last
Jihad  (Forge Books) published in 2003. This political thriller was
a page turner with an opening that I still recall 15 years after reading it (yes
that good and memorable). The book caught on and reached the New York
Times bestseller list. A
committed Christian, Rosenberg moved this book and his future books to
Tyndale House Publishers.He has written several nonfiction books but the
majority of his books are fast-paced political thrillers.



Rosenberg spoke to a packed crowd for over two hours. The
majority of his talk was about flash points and current geo-political events
where he has first hand knowledge. I found it educational and fascinating. Woven
into his speaking were several keys for writers that I want to emphasize in this
article.



1. Joel C. Rosenberg is a brilliant storyteller and writer. I
suspect some of it is his natural ability but other skills he learned and
perfected. Every writer needs to learn how to spin a solid story whether in
print or orally.



2. As a writer, Joel Rosenberg is plugged into the world
geo-politics, traveling and meeting with world leaders. He mentioned meeting
with the President of Egypt, the U.S. Secretary of State and other officials—and
these meetings were recent with a current and fresh perspective. Formerly he
lived in Washington, D.C. and now he lives in Israel. His lifestyle plays into
his writing. If you want to know more details and keep up on Rosenberg's
insights, one of the ways he suggested was subscribing to his blog updates (follow this
link).



3. He pours his personal insights about the world into his
novels. He talked about writing chapters that were like eating Pringles. He
dares his readers to just read one chapter without continuing to the next
chapter. The ongoing action and short chapters compel readers to keep going.
Rosenberg told about getting regular emails from readers who
have stayed up all night reading his novels. Now that is amazing
storytelling and something each of us should aspire with our writing. Are you
making your book chapters to be consumed like Pringles?



Each of us can be learning and growing from our world around us.
I encourage you to take action in this area in the days ahead.



When a bestselling author comes near you, do you attend the
event and what do you learn or gain? Let me know in the comments
below.



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