Sunday Devotion: The Unseen

Janet Rubin

*note: I wrote the following piece this past Spring on my first beach walk after winter.

My little girls and I emerged from the wooded path and stepped onto the beach, the first time our feet had touched sand in months. How good it was to take great, gulping breaths of the cool, salty air. The sea gulls were right where we’d left them in August, swooping and circling against the blue sky, floating and bobbing on the frigid waves, and making track-mazes with their three-pronged feet.

I stood for a moment, as I always do, letting my eyes graze on the vastness of the sea, seeing whether the hue leaned more toward charcoal or cobalt, and what mood the waves were in—playful, sleepy, rolling or raging. Then my gaze traveled to the beach itself.

“Mommy, these rocks weren’t here before,” Cassidy said.

I frowned. “No, they weren’t.”

I remembered vividly our many walks to this end of the beach last summer. There were only two, or maybe three large rocks protruding from the sand that we would climb over. Now, dozens of rocks littered the beach. But these were big rocks. Far too big to be blown here by the wind or tossed up on the beach, even by the most muscular of waves. Stones the size of washing machines, sofas, cars.

On further inspection, I realized what had happened. The ocean got hungry. Deprived of its summertime, daily ration of swimmers, it had gone cannibalistic, turning on the neighboring sand, eating away at it until it had consumed great scoops. From one end of the smiling coastline to the other, the bites it had taken were visible. These mysterious rocks were not new, but old ones previously concealed by sand. The rocks I remembered were still there, only much bigger, their bases showing like the roots of teeth exposed by a receding gum line.

I thought how funny it was that I’d walked over so many of these rocks, year after year, not knowing they lay beneath the sand. For thirty-five years, I’ve walked this beach, collected its shells, and swam in its water. It is my beach, and I thought I knew its every nook and cranny. I thought I knew it. But I didn’t know about those rocks.

There is so much we cannot see, and in our arrogance, or perhaps ignorance, we assume if we can’t see it, it isn’t there. I need to remind myself that there is much I do not know. God is doing things I know nothing about, maybe using me in ways I can’t see, healing parts of me I don’t know need healing, exposing sins I didn’t know I committed, and doing innumerable things I couldn’t begin to imagine.

Isaiah 55:99 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Upcoming

During the month of October, look for an interview with author and Washington Post book reviewer, Carolyn See. We'll be discussing her book The Making of a Literary Life and her newest fiction release There Will Never Be Another You.

Look for our first newsletter soon. As a newsletter exclusive, we're interviewing Bethany House editor Charlene Patterson, who tells us what she's looking for and if you have it, how to contact her.



I'd also like to note that October 7-11, 2007, there's a Christian novelist retreat at Ridgecrest Conference Center. For those of you needing a break to write, Click here For more information and registration.

Lastly, if you write science-fiction/fantasy, check out Jeff Gerke's new project, Marcher Lord Press at http://www.wherethemapends.com/marcherlord/marcherlord.htm.

Banned Book Week - Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2007

Thanks to Rebecca Zeidel, Program Director for American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, for an informative interview. Click on the icon to visit the abffe website.



What is Banned Book Week?

Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. Banned Books Week is held during the last week of September; this year, it’s September 29-October 6. The other sponsors are the American Library Association, the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Association of College Stores. Banned Books Week is also endorsed by the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress.

Banned Books Week was started in 1982 by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers association, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores to raise awareness of censorship problems in the United States and Abroad. 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week.

What is the goal of Banned Book Week?

Banned Books Week is celebrated by booksellers, librarians, authors, readers, students and other friends of free expression. Some create banned book displays. Others stage public readings of challenged titles or sponsor discussions of free speech issues.



Banned Books Week spreads awareness of threats to free expression in schools, libraries, and bookstores and provides educational programs and forums for discussion of free expression issues.

What percentage of books are challenged or banned because of moral content? Political content? Racial content? Violence? Other (please explain)?

ABFFE does not track these figures; however, since 1990 the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has recorded data on book challenges by type and year. You may find this information helpful.

ABFFE has confronted challenges to books on all of these grounds. In recent memory, many challenges have come from objections to racial or sexual content or discussions of sexuality.

Who suffers the most if a book is challenged?



If a book is challenged, it should remain in a classroom or library until it has been thoroughly reviewed by the school board. In the usual case, written challenges articulating the reasons for the objection are submitted to the school board, who then appoints a review committee comprised of instructors, library staff, administrators, and sometimes including students and parents. The school board then considers the recommendations of the committee and makes a decision.

A book should never be removed from a classroom or library unless a complaint procedure of this kind is followed, and likewise, a book should never be removed prior to the completion of the complaint process.



For more information on book censorship in schools in particular, I encourage you to visit the website of the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), which provides two very informative resources on this subject: Education, Toolkit

The removal of a book deprives students or library patrons and the public of literature that has been selected by professionals. In schools, teachers and librarians select curricular and library materials to be interesting and applicable to students. In public libraries, library staff members choose books to reflect a spectrum of interests and opinions. ABFFE encourages booksellers to carry a wide range of titles reflective of the variety of interests and opinions in the public arena; ABFFE also supports a bookseller’s right to select which books to include on store shelves.

How can novelists support Banned Book Week?



Writers can conduct readings at bookstores and libraries during Banned Books Week in a special “Freadom” corner designated for this purpose. Writers can also support other writers confronting book challenges by writing letters to the school board or library in support of the books, speaking out in a public forum such as the opinion page of the local newspaper, or publishing a statement against censorship on their website or blog.

How can novelists who write from a JudeoChristian worldview support free speech?



Everyone should support free speech! The First Amendment in particular and free expression principles in general protect everyone’s right to speak, write, and think freely. The marketplace of ideas is expanded when different opinions and worldviews are shared. In cases of book challenges in schools, we often take the position that the best way to deal with unfavorable speech – that which is hurtful or offensive or with which one simply disagrees – is more speech, which provides students with a more inclusive and expansive education.

What is the most appalling situation you've seen or heard of regarding a challenged book?

In February, five books were challenged in Howell, MI for sexual themes and profanity: Black Boy by Richard Wright, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, and The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell. The books were challenged in Howell High School in by members of the Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE) with assistance from the Michigan chapter of the American Family Association.


ABFFE was joined by ten free expression groups in a letter to the school board urging them to keep the books. The school board voted 5-2 to retain all of them. Dissatisfied with this result, the AFA also assisted LOVE in filing a complaint with the State Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice, claiming that the books violate laws against child pornography and sexual abuse. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan referred the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, federal, state, and local prosecutors alike declared the complaints to be without merit.

Which states or regions are more likely to jump on the banning band wagon?



Book challenges occur across the country, from Alabama to Maine, from Florida to Washington, from New Mexico to Michigan. As the ALA OIF will tell you, for every challenge reported, at least four or five go unreported.

Author Interview ~ Mark Mynheir

Mark Mynheir is a homicide detective whose law enforcement career has included serving as an undercover narcotics agent and a S.W.A.T. team member. He has also written several articles for Focus on the Family’s Breakaway magazine and the Lookout. Mark is the author of three novels: Rolling Thunder, From the Belly of the Dragon, and The Void, which releases August 21st, 2007. He and his family currently live in central Florida.

Plug time. What new book or project do you have coming out?

In The Void, which releases in August, 2007, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Roberta “Robbie” Sanchez is called in to investigate the murder of a local police detective. When the clues point to a genetic research lab in Palm Bay, Robbie is propelled into a case that challenges everything she knows—or thinks she knows—about the spirit world. Robbie and her team of detectives find themselves face-to-face with a foe of unspeakable evil who’s gunning for them all.

How did you come up with this story? Was there a specific 'what if' moment?

I was reading an article on the internet about cloning. I’ve always been a bit fascinated with the subject, so I wondered what’s going to happen when humans are successful. Will cloned humans have spirits? If they don’t, could demons enter them? With no human spirit to contend with in a genetically perfect body, what havoc could these beings wreak on the world? And how would they be stopped?

Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

When I was growing up, the worst thing I could think of doing was writing. I loathed putting words to paper. I’m Dyslexic and the very reason (I believe) that God invented spell check. But soon after I became a Christian, I felt the Lord leading me to write. It didn’t make much sense to me and seemed impossible. I shared with my wife what I thought God was doing, and she encouraged me to go to school and learn the skills I needed to write.

So, it took about ten years of classes, writing, and more classes. I met my agent, Les Stobbe, at a writer’s conference. He shopped my first novel, which got some good reviews but didn’t sell. I wrote the proposal for Rolling Thunder, my first published novel. He sent it out. I expected it to take six months or so before I heard anything. But about a week later, I got an e-mail from Multnomah, asking if I would be interested in writing a series. I had to wake my wife up to read the e-mail, just to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind.

To say the least, I got kind of weepy when I held my first book. But don’t tell anyone.

Do you ever struggle with writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?

Sometimes. But when I feel myself locking down on a blank page, I force myself to write anything on the screen. I’d rather have gibberish to delete later than stare at an unfilled page.

What is the most difficult part of writing for you?

Point-of-view, for sure. It took me a while to really get that.

How did you overcome it?

I read several books and articles on the subject, and I’m blessed to work with a great editor, Julee Schwarzburg. She’s been a wonderful teacher and friend.

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

I have an office at the house—whenever I can chase the kids off of the computer.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

With my police job being so unpredictable, I write whenever I can, so it’s hard to set limits. When I do have a full day to dedicate to it, I shoot for two thousand words.

You balance your writing with your service as a police officer. What does a typical day look like for you?

I still work as a homicide/violent crimes detective as my day job. Nine to five in the office. Callouts all times of the day and night. It can get really hectic.

When I get the chance, I mostly write at night and on weekends. Since I have a wife and three children who actually like me, I have to divide my time carefully. Sometimes I wonder how everything gets done.

Even when I’m working at the police thing, I’m still churning the stories in my head until I can get home and commit them to paper. I’m sick, I know. But what can I say, I’m a writer.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

I start with the idea or question I’m working on, like the cloning questions in The Void. I turn it in my head for weeks, sometimes months as I’m working on other projects. Then I outline (not too detailed though) and start writing. My stories rarely follow the initial outline.

What are some of your favorite books (not written by you)?

Eureka, by William Diehl; The Note, by Angela Hunt; To Kill a Mocking Bird, Harper Lee; The Great Divide, Davis Bunn; Nobody, Creston Mapes, and many more.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

Learn your craft and everything else will fall into place.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

I wish I’d have read a few more books on novel writing. I’ve had to play some catch up. There’s a lot of subtleties to make stories stronger, particularly with regard to structure and point-of-view usage.

In publishing, I should have taken the time to talk with experienced authors about the business end and the expectations. It would have saved me some unnecessary aggravation.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I’ve tried some marketing things that haven’t worked out well at all. Because I still have a very demanding day job and with my family responsibilities, I’ve learned that I need to write the very best book possible, and let the marketing take care of itself. I don’t have the time to put into marketing that I would like, so I have to rely on God to open up those paths for me.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Stick with it! Many a great manuscript or talented writer will never be discovered because the author didn’t show the fortitude to stick it out through the tough times—and there will be tough times. If you’re called to be a writer, write. Learn your craft, read books about writing, go to conferences, and write, write, write. Don’t let negative voices around you derail the dream God has planted.

Ann Tatlock ~ Letting Go

Between the day I began to write fiction and the day I signed my first publishing contract lay a span of 11 years. You may think that time was spent writing novels, sending out proposals and getting rejection slips, but that’s not how it was. Instead, I spent those years writing entire manuscripts and then, when I reached the final sentence, putting the whole thing aside and starting all over again with a different story.

Every time I reached “The End,” the same thought popped into my mind: Not Good Enough.

It’s true that my earliest writings were not good enough for publication, and that those seven or so novels (I lost count) were a training ground for me in the art of writing fiction. But I’m sure there was more to my reluctance than that. To think of an editor actually reading what I’d written filled me with terror. I could tell myself I wasn’t good enough and accept it, but I sure didn’t want anyone else telling me the same thing! That first rejection would only confirm my deepest fears and no doubt paralyze my efforts for good.

Thankfully, I met my husband-to-be, who read one of my manuscripts and afterward said in essence, “Enough stalling.” I married Bob, wrote another book, Bob got me an agent--since I was too shy to try to get one myself--and the agent got me a contract with Bethany House, who has published all six of my novels to date. (That’s not to say there were no rejections. A series of houses rejected that first book before Bethany House picked it up. That’s part of the process and a writer has to face it.)

I sometimes wonder what might have become of me if Bob hadn’t intervened, because even now when I finish a manuscript, the neon lights in my brain start flashing the same old message of failure. I’ve never reached the point of saying, “Okay, now this manuscript is perfect!” I’ve never sent a novel off to my publisher with a feeling of triumph.

Instead, I cringe and hope my editor will be kind when she calls to tell me everything that’s wrong with the book.

Obviously, my doubts haven’t vanished with the years. But what has changed is this: Now, I don’t let the doubts stop me. I finish the book and I hit the send button and I know that even though the book is far from perfect, it’s probably not nearly as bad as I think it is and, on top of that, my editor is going to help me make it the best it can be.

My newest book, “Every Secret Thing,” will be in bookstores October 1. Did I cringe when I sent my original draft of this novel to my editor? You bet I did. And then I waited for several anxious weeks for the dreaded verdict. But when my editor called, I was pleasantly surprised. She said the book was good! At first I was perplexed (“Are you sure we’re talking about the same book?”), but as it dawned on me that she really did love the story, I was free to love it too. Read the review of Every Secret Thing.

For “Every Secret Thing,” I reached back into my childhood and pulled out bits and pieces of my own story. The plot and characters of the book are fictional, but many of the details are true. The novel takes place in Delaware at the private school I attended from 8th through 12th grade. The main character, Beth Gunnar, is similar to me in that she loves literature and she lacks confidence! Many of her thoughts as a child were my thoughts, and some of what happens to her happened to me. Some, but not all. It’s a fun mixture of fact and fiction.

Beth is returning to teach at Seaton School after many years away. She wants to return to the school she loved, but at the same time, being on campus revives memories of a loss she never resolved. She realizes that the sudden disappearance of a favorite teacher has haunted her all her life, and she wants to find out the truth about what happened to him. There’s a little bit of mystery in the story, a little bit of humor, a little bit of romance. Ultimately, it’s a story of faith and reconciliation, and of how God reveals himself in the simplest of moments.

And I’ll clue you in: The chapter about the bells in the basilica--the bells that go on ringing until Beth realizes God’s great love for her--that’s all true. It happened to me.

You can find more information about “Every Secret Thing”, as well as discussion questions, on my website. Please come visit!

Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award

A wife, mother, and grandma, Yvonne Anderson lives in rural Ohio. She's a former legal secretary, currently a professional Virtual Assistant, and writes a daily Bible study blog. She creates fiction just for fun, but sometimes entertains fantasies about real remuneration.






Okay, so you've been reading these posts about writing contests. You know your novel is at least as good as some of the winners. You stick out your lip in a pout and tell your long-suffering sweetie, "I can't enter any of those because I self published. Discrimination! Think the ACLU will take my case?"

Put down the phone and quit your whining. You're not being discriminated against -- you're just baying up the wrong elm. The raccoon's up the Writer's Digest tree, you flop-eared hound!

You smack your furry forehead – duh! I knew that! Every wannabe writer subscribes to the magazine, so you've seen the announcements. Sure, the Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award is no Nobel, but it ain't chopped liver, either. Wait, maybe that's a bad analogy. If you're a hound dog, you'd gobble up chopped liver in a big, slurpy flash.

Let me rephrase. Sure, it's not Nobel, but you can buy a lot of chopped liver with the $3000 Grand Prize. While you're licking your chops, you can see your name in Writer's Digest and Publishers Weekly; ten copies of your prize-winning book will be submitted to major review houses; you'll receive marketing advice from self-publishing expert Dan Poynter; and you'll get a box of these mouth-watering treats:

one-year membership in Publishers Marketing Association, guaranteed distribution of your book to bookstores and libraries through Baker & Taylor, a review in Midwest Book Review, six hours of coaching from a Poynter Book Shepherd, a customized Book MarketMap Directory, and an all-day PublishingGame.com workshop.

Sound good? Keep your tail wagging, because there's more kibble where that came from. Nine first-place winners receive $1000 and promotion in Writer's Digest, a review in Midwest Book Review, and book-jacket seals announcing the award-winning status of their book, among other things. The best part is, every entrant gets tossed a bone or two in the form of a brief judge's commentary and a listing with a link to his or her book on the Writer's Digest website.

Wanna know how to enter? Quit running around in circles and pay attention. The contest is open to all English-language self-published books in the following categories: Mainstream/Literary Fiction, Genre Fiction, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Life Stories (biographies, memoirs, etc.), Children's Picture Books, Middle-Grade/Young Adult, Reference, or Poetry. (Sorry, no category for art books such as self-published collections of paw prints.)

By the way, "self-published" is defined as a book for which the author has paid the full cost of publication or the cost of printing has been paid for by a grant or as part of a prize.

You must submit a bound and printed copy of the book. Preferably one you haven't chewed, because although entrants are judged primarily for content and writing quality, appearance counts too. They don't require that your book have an ISBN number, but they do demand an Official Entry Form, along with a fee of $100. If you're a prolific puppy, you can enter multiple books in multiple categories, but each needs its own entry form. The fee for each additional book is $50.

Oh, yeah. If your book has already won any sort of award from Writer's Digest, you can't enter it. Go publish something else.

Only old dogs need apply – 112 years or more, in dog years. (If you're a people, you only have to be sixteen.)

I sniffed around a little and found that the folks at Writer's Digest have had over two thousand entrants some years, so there is some competition. The judges are all humans who are involved in the publishing industry. Usually agents or editors. But none from the self-publishing world, to avoid problems with personal bias. It doesn't matter what category you enter, because all are equally eligible to win. A recent grand prize winner was a nonfiction entry on travel photography (PhotoSecrets San Diego, by Andrew Hudson), and a Young Adult book (Peace I Ask of Thee, O River, by Lyda Phillips) took a First Place.

This year's contest is already over, but if you run off a copy of your latest poodle romance, you might be able to get it in for next year.

So now we've thrown you the Frisbee – go fetch!

MORE 2007 ACFW Conference Photos

This is my favorite of all. Brandilyn Collins' mother, Mama Ruth and Chip MacGregor. Mama Ruth was a missionary in India and the pendant she's wearing has a wonderful story. Next time you see her, ask her about it. Being Irish with some Scot lurking within me, I love Chip's kilt.

That loud Asian chick Camy Tang and some ACFW buddies, Ronie Kendig and Dineen Miller. Ronie and Dineen worked hard on the conference, volunteering all over the place.

Mary DeMuth gathered a few of her intimate friends. The party of 30 trekked on foot to the Magic Time Machine restaurant for dinner.

Beth studies the menu while Amy Wallace (behind her) smiles (how unusual is that?) Allie Pleiter is telling jokes and Katie is another smiler.

James Scott Bell and Brandilyn Collins share a table at the book signing. I think they're seatbelted to their chairs.

And finally, since Gina, Jessica and I own this blog, we wanted to brag on our crit group the Penwrights. Penwright Chicks ROCK! The Penwrights won 6 awards in the Genesis contest.

ACFW Conference ... Dallas 2007

"Deb Raney" D'Ann Mateer and me as Brandilyn Collins.

Sorry about the delay in reporting, folks. I'm back from the ACFW conference and still bleary-eyed.

We could have posted from the conference, but sometimes even we need to just"be". We hadn't intended to take a break, but Ane and I really needed it apparently.

We brought our new and improved video equipment to do some vodcasts from Dallas and did sit down with Brandilyn Collins, but that was the only one we got around to. We just wanted to talk with friends, worship, pray, and laugh, and laugh, and laugh, and laugh.

Every year those of us who go to this conference leave with a couple of "this is why I came" fors.

Personally, I've come out of a very long and difficult period in my personal life and I was able to lay this burden at Jesus' feet finally. To accept His forgiveness for my failings and to be reminded that He loves me. That He really, really, loves me. Wow.

Rachel Hauck and her oh so anointed worship team blessed the toenail polish off me (I wasn't wearing socks, okay?). Oh I felt God's presence when they played. Wow again.

Did I get a book contract? Nah, I signed nothing but met with some interested people who I genuinely enjoyed my time with not because of what they could give me but for them.

You know, the folks in the CBA are really, really cool. Worshiping with them reminded me, we're all in this together. We're all here for a common purpose: to write amazing stories that bless God's heart.

Jess and I spent a morning on our knees as God screamed (gently) in our ears that this is your tribe. These are your people. They're imperfect sinners like us, sometimes get their eyes off the goal, (like us), but they love ME. I love THEM. Always, always, offer to them blessings not cursings. No matter what.

Wow, I love the folks in the CBA.

I am so proud of my critique group, The Penwrights. We swept the Genesis contest which was thrilling. Six of us finaled and we took first through third places in our category. Very cool.

ACFW is amazing. Robin Miller, our president worked her butt off. If you are in need of someone to send a thank you note to ... you might want to send one to her if you're part of that organization. (If you're not, you honestly should be.)

Another highlight was meeting new folks whose writing is "ripe". Oh what an amazing thing to ask to see what someone is pitching and then finding out it's just right and ready to publish. That this person knows the craft and has the gift and is ready for publication. Sara Mills, represented by Steve Laube comes to mind. Can this girl write? Ha. Reading her manuscript was like watching Casa Blanca. You had the feeling of being in a black and white movie. Holy smoke is this girl ready to pop. And besides, I really, really like her. Her sense of humor is horribly inappropriate. Oh wait, that's me. Whatever.

What else did I learn? I played Brandilyn Collins in a skit and found I'm not the prettiest red-head (not cherry-red anyway), Brandt Dodson is sooooooooo funny. Ha. I'm still laughing about his toe story. (You'll have to ask him about it when you meet him), Mary DeMuth is even cooler than you think she is, Andy Meisenheimer (acquisitions editor for Zondervan) is going to age really fast because it's apparently his birthday every day. Make sure to tell him Happy Birthday each time you run into him. ) Sue Brower and Jan Stob are editors who know their stuff and speaking to each of them left me feeling really good about the state of the CBA. Editors want to publish fiction that changes lives. Fiction that thinks outside the box. Fiction that furthers the kingdom. They truly do. Isn't that cool to know?

Oh and on more than one occasion I was told to read a memoir called "Glass Castles". I think that's right.

Did I make a fool out of myself this year? You bet! I said stupid things to several editors and authors, and well, this is par for the course for me.

Yet another thing I got out of this conference was that I have really, really, really, really loyal and awesome friends. Jessica Dotta is not a fan of public speaking, but when a public speaking moment I was required to do conflicted with an editor appointment that was very important to me arose, she agreed to take over the speaking for me. This is huge if you know her. Luckily, she didn't have to because Ane Mulligan (now known as Polly Ann) was thrilled to do it for me. She's soooooo shy. Not.

I have good and loyal and amazing friends who complete me in this arena. Thank you God.

Oh and Heather Diane Tipton whispered to me "Run Forest, run." as I went up to accept my Genesis award. I nearly tripped. Ha. Got to love that girl. (She does amazing blog tours btw. Very effective because her personal relationship with bloggers is so good. I will always try my best to find a way to accomodate the authors she's representing.)

Jim Bell gave an amazing keynote and is now known not for his wonderful writing or super sweet and gracious personality, but as being a hairy man. Ask someone who went to explain.

Jim Bell rocks.

There were so many highlights and so many people I laughed with. So many people who blessed me, that I don't have time to mention all...


But I will tell you the coolest thing that happened: On the elevator at the hotel where our conference was being held and where most of us stayed, a maid smiled at me and Deborah Raney and said, "Who are you all? Everyone is so nice to us."

Hey... how's that for doing something right? Praise God for ACFW and the people who sacrificed so we all could be blessed. May God bless you in return.

UPDATE: next year's ACFW conference will be held in Minneapolis and the book signing will be held at The Mall of America!! How cool is that?

Gramma's Fridge

Janet Rubin



Cassidy worked fast- Grandma would arrive for Mother's Day dinner soon. She attached a piece of paper to her pink clipboard and gathered her colored pencils. Old enough to be resourceful, she did not ask me how to spell "Happy Mother's Day," but carefully copied the words from the Hallmark card I'd opened earlier in the day. With strokes of pink and purple, she colored the homemade card in, adding hearts and flowers, then folding it.


Mom hadn't been in the door for a full minute before Cassidy was whispering through a cupped hand and asking me if she could give Grandma her picture. Go ahead, I told her. Mom's reaction didn't dissapoint. She commented on the neatly printed letters, oohed and ahhed over the drawings. After giving Cassidy a squeeze, Mom said, "Thank you so much. I love this card. Do you know where it's going to go?"

Cassidy's eyes lit up with knowing. "Your refridgerator?"

She'd guessed right. I'll admit to getting choked up, seeing the delight in my child. She'd made something, offered it up and then experienced the joy of both receiving praise and bringing joy to a loved one. And her work would be displayed on Grandma's fridge, where friends and family would see it. Kind of the eight-year-old's version of getting published, I mused.

Then again, it wasn't like being published. Because being published is more about "being good enough," than it is about being loved. Grandma's fridge is all about love. Not once has mom ever told one of my children to "do it over and I'll consider giving it a spot on the Fridgidaire." Never has she said, "Frankly, I think you don't have what it takes. Have you considered that art isn't your gift?"

When it comes to the grown up world of publishing, I'm glad there are standards that have to do with excellence. After all, when we look for something to read, we want to read something well-written. I hope to improve my craft as much as I can so my writing will be excellent and will entertain and bless my readers.But I'm also glad that I have a Heavenly Father who cares more about the expressions of my heart, and who will hang my less than perfect work on His fridge.

Lord, many of us are in Dallas this weekend, wanting to grow and learn as writers. Help us to do the best we can with the ability You've given us. And thank You for loving us just as we are and accepting all of our humble offerings with gladness. You are the best Father. We love You. Amen.

Stepping Up to Bat – From the ACFW Conference

Friday, I taught a workshop on publicity here at ACFW. I prepared, I recited, I gathered stories and refused, absolutely refused, to be nervous about teaching.

I started to teach, and then it happened. I looked up at the eyes trained on me and froze. My thoughts scattered. I forgot the point I was making. Later, it happened again and I had to stop, smile, and just come out with it. "I'm sorry, I lost my point. I'm a little nervous here." Everyone laughed, and for me, the ice broke. I went on to express my passion for teaching them publicity, as I know it really does make a difference in book sales.

I wish I could say everything went perfectly smooth afterwards. It definitely got better, but the amount of information I wanted to communicate didn't translate necessarily the way I wanted it to.

Afterward, I felt tempted to cycle through all the things I meant to say, or wish I had stressed, or could have done better. I had to mentally give myself a shake and think differently. No, it may not have gone exactly the way I wanted, but I took a step in the right direction.

I recall how nervous I felt the first time I sent out my writing to be critiqued, and how hard it was for me to critique someone's work. I remember the first time I pitched my book, it didn't go that well, but by the time I went to the next conference, I was able to speak freely and without tripping over myself. Then, there was sending out the first proposal and manuscript. That was excruciating, but now I've dealt with agents and editors long enough not to even think much about it after I hit send.

I also recall my first days of learning publicity. I had to crawl before I could walk. I remember my hands were cold as I dialed the number for a small town newspaper—and like going up a high dive—the only way to figure out how to do this was to jump in. Now I could board a plane to New York and meet with national media without feeling as shaky as I did that first phone call.

So, in the end, I'm calling the class a success. Maybe not a success as we like to define it—I wowed them, left them inspired, and can't wait to hear the CD. But, it was one more step in the right direction. One more path taken on this journey. And who knows, maybe someone reading this will remember it the next time they step out of their comfort zone and have that icky feeling that too often follows.

Author - Lisa Bergren ~ Interviewed.

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of 28 books, with over 1.3 million sold. She is a publishing consultant, writer, Bible study leader, mother and wife. Her hobbies include travel (mostly from an armchair), reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring with her family. Lisa's most recent books include The Begotten, The Betrayed, God Gave Us Heaven, What Women Want and The Busy Mom's Devotional. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To sign up for her monthly email (which includes a new, unpublished devotional) go here and join her newsletter list.

Click here, if you'd like to read a review of The Betrayed.

What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

The Begotten and The Betrayed, books 1 and 2 in The Gifted Series, are out in early September. This is a supernatural suspense series set in medieval times, pre-Reformation, pre-Renaissance.

It’s about a group of people who have profound spiritual gifting (healing, prophecy, wisdom, faith) who are in search of the lost letter of St. Paul, another letter he supposedly wrote to the Corinthians (an actual biblical mystery), but this letter has a non-Pauline prophetic bent. And in the margins, over the centuries, this secret letter has been passed along and protected by monks, some of whom added their own prophetic illuminations—drawings of the characters that appear centuries later. There’s the beautiful healer, a handsome knight, the wise priest, the child who can discern good from evil—characters that we both empathize with (when they fail) and wish to emulate (when they succeed).

It is an epic story of good vs. evil and the desire to do what God calls us to do.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

Oh, I hate to tell this story because it's so much more competitive these days. When I was starting out 15 years ago, I noticed there were only historical Christian romances on the market. I simply filled the hole by writing a contemporary Christian romance (Refuge) and a publisher (Multnomah) jumped on it. They called me and said, “We’d like to publish your book.” It was one of the best days of my life…so thrilling! And amazing…that someone else thought my book was WORTHY of publication. It was a “shake your head at the wonder of it” moment. And then it did so well, we ended up building a whole contemporary romance line (Palisades) together, because by the time my first novel came out, I was working for the company. I've seen others break through by being the first to write mystery or Chick Lit or something else unique. But Christian fiction has come so far, there are fewer holes to spot! A lot of it is in who you know….and walking through the doors God opens for you.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Every time I start a new book and especially after I took my four-year writing hiatus (I had a third child and was trying to launch a company). I wondered if my time of creativity had ended, thinking, “It was fun while it lasted…” But then I got rolling again and it’s been a blast! The hardest part is that first blank page of a new book, or even a new chapter. The devil hopes we say, “I’m a fake. I can’t do it any more. I may as well give up.” I put my published books on the shelf above my computer, and tape a little sign that shows my total number of books sold, to remind myself that I just may be the real deal…an actual writer. But I had to publish three or four books before I could even comfortably call myself an “author.”

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

The true writer writes because she can do nothing else. Publication can be a goal, but it can’t be everything. Look for all the ways that God might be able to use your skills as a writer, and if you are blessed with a publishing contract, praise him! But don’t get defeated if it doesn’t happen right away. I just had lunch with a terrific writer and friend, Tricia Goyer, who when I met her 12 years ago, was dying to be a novelist. She set out to learn all she could about writing, really training herself at the craft, and in the meantime, wrote a zillion magazine articles. The articles helped make her more attractive to a publisher, and gave her time to develop. Now she’s doing extremely well as a novelist. It takes passion and determination to write. Follow where God leads!

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

John Eldredge wrote, “The story of your life is a long and brutal assault by the one who knows what you could be, and fears it.” I love that—on the level that it reminds me that we live in a world at war (whether we recognize it or not) and that we have the power to make Satan afraid. God is on our side, always and forever. Let’s do something good for the world and Him!

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

The Hidden by Kathryn Mackel, Madman by Tracy Groot, Kite Runner by Afghan-expatriate-hard name, Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Higgs, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Favorites: Getting in “the zone” when a scene almost writes itself; the new baby, fresh off the press that I carry around with me and pet as if it’s an animate object; good reviews; fan mail

Least Favorites: Trying to get my rear-end in the chair to work; trying to concentrate in the middle of family chaos; bad reviews; un-fan mail

How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

Well, I’m trying this blog tour…I’ll let you know how it goes! And I do a monthly newsletter for about 2 people that I’d like to grow to 2000. We’ll see… : )

Parting words?

If you’re not already tired of knowing about me, you can click here. If you become the 3rd person (okay, it’s not quite that bad) on my email list to receive my free eNewsletter, you might win a free book!

And my books will be at Target stores on September 4 and following—look for them there to get a screamin’ deal!

I left on a jet plane ...

and arrived in Dallas ... 30 minutes early!

In the hotel, I peeked into the bookstore where volunteers are already hard at work unloading books and taking inventory.

Novel Jourey will be blogging all week from the conference, and we intend to do some vodcasts with your favorite authors from the conference. So stay tuned ...

Author Interview ~ Juliann Henry

Juliann Henry was born in Wilkesbarre, PA, the descendant of immigrant coal miners. She received her Masters in Divinity in 2002 and completed the candidacy process for the ordained ministry in the UMC on June 1, 2007 when she was ordained an Elder. Juliann’s progress toward ordination has been slow because she has always felt her primary calling to be her three children.

Within a call to ministry, Juliann has felt a specific calling to minister with those who are marginalized by church and society. Following seminary she completed the steps for endorsement as a Mental Health chaplain with the UM Endorsing Agency in Nashville, and currently serves in this capacity in a State Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey. The patients Juliann ministers to remind her (by word and action) of the innate value of all children of God.

In her spare time Juliann enjoys gardening, vacuuming, animal rescue and creative writing. She began writing picture books for her children when they were young. Each of her children has a picture book that was written especially for them. The Little Shepherd Girl is her first published book.

Juliann and her family live in southern NJ with their three rescued basset hounds and four stray cats.

What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

My first published book, The Little Shepherd Girl, is due out this October. It’s a children’s story about a young girl who desperately wants to be a shepherd. Her first night with the flock is the evening in which Jesus is born. She hears the angels, packs up the flock, and makes her way into Bethlehem to see the newborn Messiah.

I wrote this story so that young girls would find their place in the Biblical story. As a child I remember grumbling to my mother that I didn’t like Bible stories because “all the good parts are taken by men.” I remember my mom saying that I should, “write myself in.” Since then I have found it helpful to imagine myself as a minor character when witnessing the drama of the Bible, in order to help the story come alive for me. This was the intent of St Francis when he dressed up peasants in robes to create the first live nativity scene. Unfortunately St Francis didn’t seem to be aware that in Jesus’ day children, male and female, served as shepherds. And so we have this ongoing tradition of nativity shepherds as adult males—further excluding girls from the glory of the birth of Jesus.

Through The Little Shepherd Girl, I am hoping that young girls will realize that Jesus was born for them as well as for their brothers. I want them to feel the excitement of his birth.


Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

I’ve been writing since I was 12, and hoping to publish since that time. When my children were young I began to write picture books and submit them for publication. I’d send out manuscripts to 3 or 4 publishing houses a year, wait for the rejections, lick my wounds and try again. Occasionally I would also paint illustrations for my stories—overcompensating with vibrant colors for what I lacked in artistic skill.

I serve as a pastor and a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital. Over the years I have found that children’s stories make good tools for ministry. So my stories, though unpublished, have found a home in children’s ministry, in visits with shut-ins, and as sermon illustrations. The earliest version of The Little Shepherd Girl was written as a class assignment for a dramatic narrative class in seminary back in 1996. I wrote it for my daughter and named the main character after her. It took 10 years for this story to be accepted for publication. Early on I received some very nice personalized rejection notices for it, but little else.

Then in December of 2005 I felt a call to resurrect the story from the filing cabinet. My daughter was going through a period of struggle, and I ached for her wounded heart as she faced attacks to her character and self worth. The week before Christmas I pulled the story out, formatted the text and my artwork as a mini picture book, dedicated the piece to my daughter, and self published 100 copies at Staples as Christmas presents for my congregation. That Christmas Eve, as my mom was leaving the church she said, “You should really try getting this published.” To which I responded, “Been there. Done that.” But during the first week in January I was sitting at my desk when I felt moved to pull out the Publisher’s Guide and try yet another round of submissions. I bundled up copies of two children’s stories, wrote cover letters to one publisher and one agent, and stuck on way too many stamps. The night before I sent the packets out I remember lying in bed, praying, “God, I’ve been trying this for so long. You’ve given me stories to share with others, but I can’t get anyone to publish them. Please guide my stories to the right hands if you want them to be published. Or give me the strength to stand in front of the color copier at Staples, and the income to pay the bill.”

That next week my daughter left a message on my cell phone that Mary McNeill from David C. Cook would like to talk to me about my story. I called her back from the parking lot at Walmart and we had a long conversation in which she said she would love to publish one of my stories, and explained the approval process through which the manuscript would go in the next few months.

After that conversation it took about a week to get back to sleeping normally. I had gotten so used to thinking of myself as an unpublished author that the good news of a manuscript’s acceptance wreaked havoc with my self image. It was a conscious effort to begin to conceive of myself differently. During that time my tie to normalcy was the thought that maybe the Cook publishers would change their minds and I’d remain unpublished after all.

And there was one added dilemma—a hazard of my profession. As a psychiatric chaplain I work with many men and women who suffer from delusions that can feel quite real to them. Because of this exposure, there were moments before the contract was signed in which I worried that 30 years of rejection notices had finally taken a toll on my mental health. I began to wonder if my mind had crafted an elaborate delusion concerning my manuscript’s potential publication. What if I had truly lost it??? Then Mary would call to update me on the book’s progress and for a while there would be this record of a call from David C. Cook on our Caller ID— physical proof of an actual conversation. To which my husband would respond with a wink, “Maybe they were just calling about your Sunday school curriculum order.” All things considered, I felt much better once the contract arrived in the mail.


Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Self doubt is part of my nature. I have always had very high standards for myself and am very aware that I fall short of them. I am a perfectionist in early recovery. Thank goodness I know Jesus. In Him I find a love and acceptance that are greater than my self love and self acceptance. In Him I find grace, forgiveness and hope for each day.

Most of my writing involves preaching. The “publication process” for sermons involves the way in which the Holy Spirit moves the Word from my mouth to the hearts of those in the congregation. It is an awesome thing to see a member of my church grow in faith because of the things I have said. It is also a humbling thing, because I know that the words I preach aren’t my words at all, but rather a gift that God has given me for others.


What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

I’m still so new to publishing that I’m no doubt making lots of mistakes I’m still not aware of. One thing I undoubtedly did wrong was in submitting my stories to so few publishers over the years. I should have spent less time licking my wounds and more time licking stamps.


What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

Years ago I read that the process of getting a picture book from contract to publication involved lots of give and take between the author and the editor. It was immensely helpful to know this once my contract was signed and we began to process of endless rewrites. If I hadn’t known this was the norm, I would have been crushed with each request to change things large and small. But because I was prepared, I could look on the story as the end product of a group process, and lay aside my ego long enough to work with the group. In the end I probably wrote 6 versions of this one story. It’s a good thing picture books aren’t the length of epic novels.


What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

I’ve been told to quit my other jobs and focus exclusively on writing. The problem with that is that my other jobs are responses to a call to serve the Lord in ministry. They aren’t what I do—they’re who I am. The ministry that I accomplish is a visible reflection of my relationships with other members of the family of God. And the stories that I write grow out of those relationships. I think that if I locked myself in my office to write full time I would quickly run out of viable things to write.


What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

I wish I’d prayed more before submitting my stories early on. Inviting God into the process changed the whole dynamic of publication.


Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

Aside from lots of rejection slips, I haven’t had any setbacks. Most of my “writing career” is writing and delivering sermons. The congregations I have served over the years have been truly gracious.

Well, there was one woman who complained that I had used the word “sin” too many times in a sermon—but that was a sermon about sin delivered to a group of people who had difficulty accepting the reality of sin. And how can you fight against sin before you first acknowledge it?

And then there was a man who shook my hand after a sermon on loving one’s enemies and said, “Pastor I’m so glad you preached on that. So-and-so in the back pew really needed to hear it.” And I’m thinking, “ Whoa, didn’t you realize I was preaching to YOU?”

Those would be examples of some of the difficulties I’ve faced in my writing career.


What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

The Bible, The Book of God: The Bible as a Novel by Walter Wangerin, Deliver Us From Evil by Ravi Zacharias, Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas, and Unhindered: Revealing the Glory of a Woman by Jana Spicka. Also The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien


What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

I’m really proud of the sequel to The Little Shepherd Girl. It’s an Easter story about the daughter of the original Shepherd Girl. Telling the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus from the perspective of a young girl who understood the religious concepts of blood sacrifice was extremely challenging. Ultimately I found that my own faith grew as I delved into this image of Jesus as the Passover Lamb whose blood takes away the sins of the world. I hope that The Little Shepherd Girl: An Easter Story will be published in another year or two. Very few children’s picture books take a deep look at the sacrificial aspect of the cross—they tend to dwell on the joy of the resurrection instead. They are like most congregations in our culture who avoid the passion of Good Friday yet return in droves to the Glory of Easter Morning. But without the pain of the cross there is no real joy of resurrection.


Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

I’m still too new to publishing to have a pet peeve. I’ll do my best to develop one by this time next year.


Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

First there’s this irritating idea that won’t go away. Like a grain of sand in a clam shell, it eats at me until I give in and begin to write it out. Scribbled notes develop into a first draft that I set aside until I can gain some perspective. Then I begin to rewrite the story, share it with family, rewrite, try it out in children’s ministry or a sermon or small group, rewrite, send it out to publishers, read the rejection notices, rewrite, paint my own illustrations, format the story on a publishing program, and then make copies for use in ministry.


Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

When I first began to write children’s stories it was with the hope that I could read the published books to my own children. Now that my children are grown, my hope is to be able to read them to any possible future grandchildren that may come along someday.

One immediate goal I have is to publish a story for each of my three children. The Little Shepherd Girl is dedicated to my daughter. I hope to give each of my sons their own picture books, as well. Their stories are all written, just not yet accepted.

I’d also love to finish a novel I began about 5 years ago. It’s the story of a woman in ministry, as seen through the eyes of a one winged seagull who lives in her vegetable garden.

And I’d like to write a book about the interrelationship of faith and mental illness. The patients that I serve at the psychiatric hospital are among the most spiritually developed individuals that I know. Their faith has been tested by suffering; they are constantly blessing me through word and example.


Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

For 35 minutes after each rejection slip came in the mail.


What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

I love to write. Even more, I love to share my writing with others. I love to read my picture books to children. I love to preach on Sunday morning and get to that moment when you can see that the congregation isn’t moving a muscle because they’re listening intently and really getting the grace of God.

My least favorite part of writing, so far, is anything that people do or say which is designed to pander to my supposedly outsize ego. Introductions that begin with the phrase “the famous author” are just plain silly—and they push me into minimizing my accomplishments while shaking hands. Also, it was pretty weird standing in front of a big poster of myself while doing my first book signing. I would have preferred to stand in front of a picture of my book. Jim Madsen did an amazing job of illustrating the story. His cover illustration would have looked much better than my awkward smile printed large and backed by foam core board.


How much marketing/publicity do you do? Any advice in this area?

Once again I’m still learning this part of the business. I did my first book signing at the International Christian Retailers Show last month. I’d been feeling a lot of anxiety before the signing, but when the moment came I suddenly realized that it didn’t have to be “about me” at all. Here I was standing beside a box of my story, which the publisher was paying to give out. And this story that I’d written so that girls would find their place in the Biblical story and realize God’s unconditional love—every time I signed one I had another opportunity to share this good news with someone else. So a potentially awkward experience became an opportunity to do ministry. God is so good!


Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

When The Little Shepherd Girl was accepted for publication, I discussed with my family whether I should officially dedicate the story to all three of my children, or leave it as my daughter’s book. My daughter was quite clear that this needed to be her story.

I remember how hard it was for me as a young woman (back in ancient times, as my kids would say) and added to that the difficulty of growing up female and called to leadership in a church which does not always validate a woman’s call. When I think about my daughter I worry that she’ll suffer the same hurts I did and take them personally. So I’m glad she knows that The Little Shepherd Girl is her story. I hope she finds in it a reminder of her innate self worth as a beloved daughter of the Most High God. I hope she never forgets how much she is loved.


Parting words?

God’s timing is not always our timing. Sarah and Abraham were called to become parents, but there was a 20 year lag between their call and the birth of Isaac. I always felt called to write, but it took 30 years to find a publisher. And the manuscript which was accepted was addressed to an editor who had left the company and sent to a publishing house whose website announced they were not taking any new submissions at that time.

If God has called you to write, keep writing. And pray that God will show you to the mission field for which your work was inspired. And don’t lose hope. Our God has cornered the market on hope!

Author Interview ~ Chris Coppernoll

Chris Coppernoll is the host of Soul2Soul Radio, an interviewer whose conversations on faith are heard weekly in over 30 countries, an American novelist, and the author of four books.

As an interviewer to prominent Christian artists and celebrities from Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith to Max Lucado and Sheila Walsh.

Chris is promoting his debut novel in a novel way, by establishing the foundation Providence Cares. “A major theme in Providence is how people can help meet the needs of others. For more information, families can visit http://www.providencebook.com/.

What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

My new book is called "Providence: Once Upon a Second Chance." It's about a man, Jack Clayton, who makes a few big mistakes in life--just like a lot of us. But when he commits his life to God, there's a major turnaround. He experiences an amazing restoration and finds life greater than his dreams. Hopefully, it's a love story that will stir reader's emotions while they turn a lot of pages. Tell us about your journey to publication.

How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

My story is probably a little different. A publicist friend of mine asked me if I wanted to write a book. He had a sense that I should I guess, and shortly after introduced me to an agent who liked my book idea. I found myself under contract a few months later. I've written all my life, but never really thought much about being a published author. Now it feels like the calling I was looking for, but didn't know it.

Do you experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Yes, I do. I don't feel doubt about my stories, or about the power of great storytelling to move people, but I struggle with balancing the right amount of narrative with dialog and description. I've heard fiction writers say their characters come to life and speak for themselves. When I'm writing, my plot lines, scenes, and characters all vie for attention. The challenge sometimes is knowing when each one should be speaking.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

Write what's honest, write what's true. All writing is creative writing, but fiction especially demands our integrity as artists. Be true.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

I like to emphasize the positive, so there aren't many pieces of advice I consider uninfluential. I try to listen to others who know a lot more than I do. Having said that, I'm not very open to counsel infused with a "it can't be done" attitude. Lots of seemingly impossible things can be done. If God gives us a vision, we need to get mobile.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

Mostly just the one that most writers experience, unconstructive criticism. I think writers need to listen to all advice that's helpful, but learn to let go of the rest.

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

"The Deep Blue Good-by" John D. MacDonald, "The King of Torts" John Grisham, "The Presence" T. Davis Bunn, the Alphabet Murder Series by Grafton, and "The Wind in the Wheat" by Reed Arvin. Great books to get swept up in.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

Right now, Providence is the book I'm most proud of. I think readers will enjoy stepping into the world of Providence, its 1980's culture story and its 2007 mass media story. It's a tale about God's Spirit and His love for us, but also about community and the intimacy of friendship and love. A coming of age tale for anyone who's made mistakes and wants a second chance.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

I like to start with a premise, and usually mine have to do with human change. There are a thousand points of light hovering in the air above my characters. I just pull them down and string them into place one by one, like decorating an old house with Christmas lights. When it's done, I plug it all in and hopefully it lights up.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

I want to find the time to write 3-4 books a year. Mostly fiction, but I have a non-fiction that I'm working on right now. I try to keep focus only on the next project.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

No, I enjoy writing too much. It's too fun, and I love the people I get to work with.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

The best part about being a writer is feeling the "snap" in a story, when it comes together and you feel like it works. The second best part is when you describe something and know you got it right in the story. My least favorite part? Not having all the time I need to make the story special. Publishers don't rush me, but too many things on my plate can eat up time. I have to be disciplined to find the time to write.

How much marketing/publicity do you do? Any advice in this area?

Marketing my stories involves a lot of my time, but I rarely think of it as "marketing." I just think of it as telling others who like to read about the stories I've written.

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

Yes, a few. Sometimes it's a reader who wants to tell their own story inspired by something they've read in one of my books. I think the part I like best is when the reader feels when reading, just what I felt when writing.

Sunday Devotion: It's all about me

Janet Rubin

One of the most often-quoted lines from any Christian book written in recent history is the first line of Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life:

“It’s not about you.”

I remember the first time I read it. Like many others, I stopped there and sucked in my breath. What a revelation; it’s not about me? Now before I start to respectfully disagree, let me say that I understand what Mr. Warren is saying. “I must decrease, He must increase”, “think of others more highly than you think of yourself”, and all that kind of thing. From our viewpoint, God and others should always come first. Yes, that’s true.

But I’ve been thinking about God’s viewpoint, and you know what? In His heart and mind, it is all about me. And all about you. I give you the evidence:

God spent six days of wild creativity and imagination speaking this world into existence. You’ve seen it; it’s amazing—mountains, oceans, flowers, animals, desserts, jungles. The world was a dazzling, multi-faceted, glorious work of art. But it was only a backdrop, an environment for His ultimate creation—mankind.

Think of a pregnant woman, awaiting her child's birth. She prepares a nursery. Paints walls, assembles a crib, a changing table. She hangs pictures and mobiles, strategically places stuffed animals and blankets. Makes a comfortable, absolutely adorable haven. Why? It’s all about the baby, of course. No one would make such a room just to have it were there no baby on the way. It’s also about relationship with that baby. The mother knows this will be a room of intimacy—nursing, snuggling, singing, and prayer—a sanctuary for mother/child bonding.

And when God made this world, it was all about us. He was a parent, anticipating His child’s arrival, decorating extravagantly, thinking of every need, and preparing myriad wonders to delight. He couldn’t wait to have intimate relationship with His children in this lovely setting! And then He did His final wondrous work of creation and made man in His own image. Wow.

Of course we know it wasn’t long before things took a turn for the worse—the serpent, the apple, The Fall. How tragic. God’s children disobeyed and were now cursed with sin and death. A horrible gulf sprang up between them and God, and between each other. God’s art had been vandalized. Which brings me to my next bit of evidence…

God, being the Hero that He is, immediately set in motion His plan to rescue us. This plan involved sending His son Jesus to live as a homeless, sorrowful, rejected man. To suffer abuse and experience every temptation His fallen children face, and to bear every bit of sin and shame, then die a most hideous, torturous death of humiliation.

That sacrifice… was all about me. And all about you. Again, I say wow.

“It’s not about me,” is a good thing to remind myself when I’m getting proud or selfish or greedy. When I need to remember that I’m living for Jesus and others. But the very best motivation to live for God and others is to remember that He is all about me. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) If I understand that He loves me “with an everlasting love,” (Jeremiah 31:3) that He “rejoices over [me] with singing,” (Zephaniah 3:17) that He “gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16)…. Then I am moved to respond in obedience. Yeah, it’s all about me. His creation, His sacrifice. Even now, Jesus is busy. He said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3, emphasis mine)

Lord, How amazing that You love me like You do. That You thought of me, created me, died for me. That You put Your Holy Spirit in me, that Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for me, that You have a plan for me and a heavenly home waiting for me. You are all about me. Please help me to be all about You. Amen.

Interview with Jack Hart, A Writer's Coach

Jack Hart is a managing editor of The Oregonian and has served as the newspaper's writing coach and staff development director. Formerly a professor of journalism at The University of Oregon, he has often lectured at Harvard's Niemann Conference for Narrative Journalism, and he teaches at writers' conferences throughout the country.

Tell us about your decision to write A WRITER’S COACH: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING STRATEGIES THAT WORK?

I’ve been The Oregonian’s writing coach for nearly twenty years. During all that time, I’ve been collecting tips from some of the country’s best writers and editors. I thought I should pass that collective wisdom along.

What type of strategies will writers find help with?

The book covers three major areas: (1) Effective approaches to the writing process – developing ideas, gathering information, finding a focus, organizing, structuring, drafting, and polishing. (2) Specific tools for making writing more forceful, clear, colorful, to-the-point, rhythmic, and mechanically correct. (3) Habits that make writers lifelong learners.

There is such a collective wealth of information gathered, how long did it take you to accumulate the materials and write the book?

For years I not only ran The Oregonian’s writing-improvement program, but I also wrote a column for Editor & Publisher magazine and produced a nationally distributed instructional newsletter. So I kept files. Now I have thousands of examples I can draw on to illustrate writing strategies that work.

Your book states that the secret to writing well is in the process, not the finished product. What do you mean by this?

The most important thing I’ve learned about writing is that if you want to get better you have to change the way you work through the writing process. You have to improve the way you find and refine ideas, for example. Or the way you plan your information-gathering. You have to get more systematic about choosing a structure, and you have to recognize the difference between drafting and polishing.

What have you learned from novelists that have helped with journalism, and what do you think novelists could learn from journalists?

Novelists have helped me understand the protagonist-complication-resolution theory of story, which also applies to literary nonfiction. Novelists could learn a lot from the way journalists conduct research, maintain skeptical habits of mind, and reconcile different points of view.

My favorite section was the one about Color. What do you mean by Color in writing?

“Color” is an old newspaper term for descriptive writing that puts readers into a scene. A color story on a football game, for example, might focus on the fans, the tailgate parties, or the sights and sounds of the stadium, rather than the game itself.

Explain Mastery. How does one move from the "tools" of writing to mastering their genre?

Writing is infinitely complex. Nobody ever really masters it. But certain habits produce lifelong learning that gets a writer closer and closer.

Many of us work in isolation and therefore never see how others solve their dilemmas. What has been beneficial about working with other writers on deadlines? What practices have you established into your own routine because of this?

I’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with dozens of great writers, and I’ve learned something from each of them. I’ve seen how Pulitzer Prize winners such as Rich Read produce outlines that list each larger point they plan to make in a scene. Or how another Pulitzer winner such as Tom Hallman keeps reworking his theme as his reporting turns up new facts. Or how Julie Sullivan, yet another Pulitzer winner, forges genuine emotional attachments to sources and wins access to the most intimate details of their lives.

What does a day in your life look like?

I start each day by spending an hour or so with my newspaper. Then I move up to my home office for an hour at my own writing. Then I walk to the newspaper office, where I might teach a workshop for the staff, attend news meetings to see what’s in the works, consult with editors and reporters on pending stories, or sit with a writer while I work through the polish phase of the editing. Once a month or so I hit the road to work with staffs at other newspapers or to conduct workshops for writers’ organizations. I just spoke to a group of food writers. In the next couple of months I’ll talk with garden writers, travel writers, and wine writers.

Whose work do you read on a regular basis because their writing impresses you?

Friends and colleagues produce a steady supply of books that I always read. I just read the draft of a terrific novel by Bruce DeSilva, an old friend who’s the writing coach for the Associated Press. One of my former TAs, Lauren Kessler, now heads the University of Oregon’s literary nonfiction program, and I’m just finishing her latest book, Dancing With Rose. It’s terrific, too.

I also follow the best explanatory journalists closely. I’m particularly partial to John McPhee, Susan Orlean, Richard Preston, and other New Yorker contributors.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

I have two books underway. One’s a novel, and the other’s a how-to on writing and editing narrative nonfiction.

Parting words?

I’ll borrow from Don Murray, a Pulitzer winner at the Boston Globe who went on to train generations of great writers at the University of New Hampshire. Don took his personal motto from Horace, who said, nulla dies sine linea – “never a day without a line.”

Guest Blogger: Cindy Woodsmall - Meshing Location and Characters

Cindy Woodsmall is an author, wife, and mother of three sons. Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim, including a Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website, and became a CBA bestseller. Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. She lives in Georgia with her husband and the youngest of their three sons.

Visit Novel Reviews for a review of When the Morning Comes.

At midnight, during the heat of summer in Georgia, my youngest son and I went to the train depot. The building was dark. In spite of its abandoned look from the outside, the door to the place actually opened. Inside was a small, empty room, with three pews that appeared to date back to the Civil War. I didn’t expect any other passengers to be there, but I did think there would be at least one employee.

I was wrong.

I smiled at my nine-year-old, assuring him the train would stop for us and that it would have people on it.

After waiting for close to two hours, the train did arrive and we began our eighteen-hour jaunt, changing trains in Philadelphia before arriving in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

At the time, I was an aspiring writer, and my Amish character would ride a train. So the experience was a means of both doing research and getting to Pennsylvania to meet with an Amish woman.

This trip proved invaluable to me. By going to the places my character went in the story, and living through the experiences my character lived firsthand, I was able to write my story with far more insight than if I hadn’t gone there in person. There are times when books, television, a phone interview or the Internet are sufficient means of research, but those can lack key ingredients for getting inside the skin, heart, and mind of a character.

If your character is on a dusty trail during the dog days of summer, you can’t experience the difficulties of living in that temperature, hear the sounds made during that season in that location, or breathe in the nuances of the aromas of dawn, noon, and midnight through books, television, telephone or the Internet.

Even just a few days of living like your character can make all the difference, not just in the details that need to be written from an author’s point of view, but in the five senses a character experiences in the midst of the conflict and crises going on in the book.

When I boarded that train at nearly two in the morning, it was my first time to travel by train other than a commuter. The sounds of the sleeper car, the g-force of the train as it stopped and started for each depot, the aroma of the private cars versus the dining car—all of it came to life.

I also learned that traveling as a lone female with a young son in tow wasn’t easy. So what would my character—Hannah, an Old Order Amish girl of seventeen who was away from home for the first time, fearful of getting caught, and afraid of moving forward—feel, think, and do? After taking the train ride and living at the location of my book myself, I had the keys to help readers climb into the story and experience it with my character.

How does one create a fictional character? I begin by developing the character’s backstory: who her parents were and how she was raised. This makes the character more real to me. Knowing some key elements of your characters’ childhood makes it easier to visualize what makes them tick, why they feel certain ways, and how they developed their own unique goals, fears, and strengths.

Then I add details of the character’s personality and traits.

I sometimes think of a character’s natural tendencies in terms of a type of animal. I’m not saying we humans are stuck in our ways like an animal is to its instincts, but this kind of comparison helps me understand my characters and keep them consistent.

A beaver, for example, is energetic, working from dusk to dawn cutting wood to use in dams or lodges. When it stops for a spell, it’s a deliberate break in order to accomplish something else: eating, grooming, sleeping or taking care of young. A pet dog, on the other hand, tends to lie around for hours, then get up and chase its tail, bark at nothing, take a ball to its master with the hopes of a game of catch, then go back to lying around.

When developing a fictional character, you may want to think of an animal that typifies that character’s personality. This will help you define who your characters are and develop them in a way that’s consistent to their nature . . . unless you’re deliberately showing growth through a learning-curve journey you’ve put them on.

Once you’ve established a character’s family situation, childhood experiences, and natural bent, you’re ready to go on location and experience the surroundings as your character would.

Because a premature baby would be part of my story in When the Heart Cries, I sought permission to enter a neonatal intensive care unit with the department head. I spent time beside the incubators on a few occasions, watching these tiny beings fight for life. The aromas, sounds, and feel of these newborns were totally different from holding my own full-term babies. The diapers for these infants are so tiny I still get chills. How much deeper would I have felt about this experience if I’d given birth to such a child, outside of a hospital, and if I’d been raised without the numbing effect of news, television or movies? What would my reaction have been if my life’s goal was centered on having children and I’d been trained in the Old Ways, where a young woman never had a thought about who she could be as an individual, but only whose mother she would become?

I went to Alliance, Ohio, in the dead of night in winter to see what Hannah would face when stepping off a train at two a.m. in When the Morning Comes. It wasn’t about the logistics of what was or wasn’t at the depot. That became a natural part of the story. The trip was about living inside Hannah, in all her Old Order Amish ways, as she struggled to survive until morning.

Getting to know your character’s family, childhood, and personality tells you who they are abstractly. Going to the location of the story shows what your characters experience concretely. Meshing the two gives writers the freedom to explore life as if they were someone else. Then they can take their readers on journeys so filled with rich detail they will be truly unforgettable.

Author Interview ~ Lorena McCourtney

Born and raised in eastern Washington, Lorena went to Washington State University and graduated with a degree in Agriculture (yes, agriculture). Always an avid reader (isn’t that how every writer starts?), she made her first “professional” sale when still in high school. After writing in numerous markets, she switched to Christian fiction. She wrote several Christian romances, but is now doing what she like best, Christian mysteries. Married with one son, two stepdaughters, and one granddaughter, beachcombing on the Oregon coast is one of her favorite activities.

Plug time. What new book or project do you have coming out?

I have two books coming out in October.

YOUR CHARIOT AWAITS is Book #1 in my new Andi McConnell Mysteries series from Thomas Nelson. This is a fun, lighthearted series about a woman who is nicely surprised to find she now owns a limousine. A less-nice surprise is the dead body she soon finds in the trunk. Andi has never had any interest in being a sleuth, but with her own name high on the list of suspects, she knows she’d better do something before the murder is pinned on her. Enter Keegan “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, former TV detective, very interested in the case – and in Andi. Working together comes down to a dangerous point: is that bulletproof glass in her limo really bulletproof?

THE BLUE MOON is part of a Guideposts series called The Sparrow Island Mysteries. The series was available earlier but only as part of the Guideposts book club, but with this new edition they're making the books available in bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. The main character is an older woman, a bird expert (ornithologist) on one of the San Juan Islands off Washington state, and in this mystery she finds a valuable blue-diamond necklace – and way too many dangerous people trying to claim it.

How did you come up with this story? Was there a specific 'what if' moment?

Many of my stories have no defining point of origin. They just kind of evolve. But YOUR CHARIOT AWAITS jumped into my head when I read about a new limousine service being started in our small town, and I thought, what a wonderful opportunity for a sleuth!

Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

My publishing journey has been so long and drawn out that the beginnings are kind of lost back there in the mists of time. I started with children’s short stories, mostly for the Sunday School publications, went into women’s short fiction, then had a friend who said her agent needed a romance writer. (This was back before romances were the Big Business they are today.) Anyway, my thought was, he needs a romance writer, I’ll be a romance writer.

Through that agent relationship I had some twenty-four secular romances published under several different names for several different publishers. But the Lord finally reminded me (none too gently) that I’d promised to get back to Christian writing someday. So I abruptly ended my secular romance writing career and switched to Christian romances. From there I’ve gone on to Christian mysteries, where I finally feel, yes, this is where I belong.

Do you ever struggle with writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?

The only time I’ve struggled with real writer’s block was during this decision-time switch from secular to Christian writing. And I think it was simply part of God’s message to me that it was time to change, because it was the secular writing that was blocked, and the Christian writing flowed.

Sometimes I get what I’d call more “writer’s procrastination” than actual block. I’m writing, but I just can’t seem to make any progress. Which usually means I need to go back in the story and figure out where I went wrong.

What is the most difficult part of writing for you (or was when you first started on your writing journey), i.e. plot, POV, characterization, etc?

Right now, I can’t say that any one part is any more difficult than any other part. It’s ALL difficult, and, for me at least, it doesn’t get any easier. Somehow I thought it would, but it never has. In mysteries, I find the most difficult part is figuring out the murderer and walking the fine line between revealing too much or too little to the reader.

How did (or do) you overcome it?

Mainly I just muddle along until something works, until the story kind of comes to life.

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

Yes, I have an office of my very own, and have had for many years. I really admire writers who manage to write without having this, who write under all sorts of difficult conditions. I have papers scattered over every flat surface in this office, and I’m not sure I’d ever get started again if I had to put them away every day.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

No, I never have had. Basically, I think, because I’d fail to meet it so often that I’d get discouraged. But I’ve – so far anyway – never missed a deadline on a book contract, so it all gets done somehow. But I don’t turn out as much material as many writers do. Not more than a book in 9 months to a year. So maybe I should set a daily goal, and I’d get more done. Hmmm.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Oh, dear, I wish I had something glamorous to report. “Arising from my bed canopied in velvet, breakfasting on quail’s eggs and caviar, glancing out the window of my penthouse, etc.” But the reality is an ordinary breakfast with my husband, taking care of some bills and other tedious household chores, a time of Bible study and prayer, check my e-mail, then to work about 9:30 or 10:00.

Lunch break at noon with my husband (he’s retired), another e-mail check, finish up somewhere between 3:30 and 4:30. Definitely not much later than that, because my brain turns to mush by 5:00. Although not all my day is actual writing, of course. There’s research, staring at a blank computer screen, trying to do some promotional things, etc.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

I’ve been writing for a long time, so I have Files. Lots of files. When I get an idea, it goes in the Ideas file. If more thoughts about that idea come, I give it a file of its own. Eventually there’s enough there to think about doing a book. So I sort my scraps of paper into various piles. For me, I need something in these piles:
Plot
Characters
Setting
Theme
Title
When I see what I have in my piles, I can also see where there are holes, and I start filling them in. No title? I start trying to think of one, because I feel it helps give the story focus. (Although publishers so frequently change a title that this is probably that well-known “exercise in futility.”)

For characters, I’ve tried to do a complete character chart. You know, everything from favorite food to biggest fear. But I found this doesn’t work for me. What I need are the basics: a name, physical characteristics, whatever is important about the character that affects the book. Then I build details into the character as the work progresses. Otherwise I get a bunch of facts and characteristics about some person that just don’t work together.

Sometimes I have kind of an outline. Somewhere in the story, when I’m panicky about where this story is going, if anywhere, I usually wish I’d done a lot more thorough outline.

I don’t use the first draft, second draft, etc. system. I write some, go back and revise, and repeat many times. I don’t think it’s the best system, but I’ve never been able to manage the system where you rush through a first draft and then go back and do more drafts. I’ve tried to do that, but the whole thing feel likes a wobbly skyscraper without a solid foundation. And then it tends to crash and burn.

What are some of your favorite books (not written by you)?

I think I like authors more than specific books. Among secular authors, Alexander McCall Smith’s #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Sue Grafton’s series that start with a different letter of the alphabet each time. Some of Dean Koontz. Among Christian authors – oh, too many to name there!

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

Some form of “persistence counts more than talent.”

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

One thing I did with romances was write under several pen names (required by the publishers at the time). I wouldn’t do that again – or at least I’d try a lot harder to avoid it. Unless there’s a compelling reason for using a pen name (such as you write in two totally different genres, or your own name is very difficult to spell or pronounce), I’d stay with my own.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

Marketing. Groan. I want to be a writer, not a marketer. So, basically, I don’t do nearly enough of this. It isn’t possible for me to go long distances for conferences, so I miss out there. And being a shy introvert is not helpful in these days when a writer really needs to be out there promoting. I do send out announcements to my lists of both e-mail and snail-mail readers when I have a new book out.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Read, read, and read some more. Analyze why you like, or don’t like, what you’re reading. Then try to apply the techniques to your own writing.

Author Interview ~ DeAnna Dodson

DeAnna Dodson is the author of In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, a trilogy of historical romance novels set in medieval times. She has always been a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage, and has a keen interest in history from the Middle Ages to the present. Her latest book is A Dinner of Herbs, a novel of the American Civil War, and her work in progress is the first of a 1930s whodunit series, Heir to a Murder: A Drew Farthering Mystery. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and belongs to the Christian novelists’ group Chi Libris. She lives quite happily with her three cats in North Texas and loves to quilt, cross stitch and watch hockey.

Plug time. What new book or project do you have coming out?

My most recent finished work is a Civil War romance titled A Dinner of Herbs. My agent is currently presenting it to publishers, so I don’t really have any definite release information on it. I hope to have some good news soon!

How did you come up with this story? Was there a specific 'what if' moment?

A Dinner of Herbs was written at the request of a friend of mine. After I finished my medieval trilogy, I asked her what she was particularly interested in reading. She gave me the time period and the names of the hero and heroine, but nothing else. I suppose my “what if” moment was when I thought, “What if a man decides he’s married to the “wrong” woman? What does he do about it? Who does he blame for it?”

NJ: To see DeAnna's books, visit her website.

Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

I had been writing just to amuse myself for about eight years. Then, for the next three years, I started really trying to write a book with the goal of being published. About six months after I started submitting my first book, I got a call from the third publisher I queried asking for the whole manuscript for In Honor Bound. I almost couldn’t believe it. They called me at work at about 4:55 p.m. and asked me to call back the next day. I was so excited, I called back right then. Fortunately, the editor who had left the message was still in and we had a really nice conversation. They ended up buying all three books in my medieval series. I didn’t have an agent at this time, so I knew it was a total miracle!

Do you ever struggle with writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?

I very frequently struggle with writer’s block. And it seems that the more urgent it is for me to get something written, the worse the writer’s block is. The only way I know to deal with it is to just keep writing. Write something. I generally know where I want to end up in a scene, so I write towards that. Even if it sounds stupid, write something down. It can always be fixed later if need be. For me, editing is always easier than the initial writing.

What is the most difficult part of writing for you (or was when you first started on your writing journey), i.e. plot, POV, characterization, etc? How did (or do) you overcome it?

I struggle with all of it from time to time depending on what I’m working on. Fortunately there are a lot of books on craft that can help in certain situations, and writer’s groups like ACFW can be priceless if you need specific help.

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

I have a wonderful office to write in. It’s wall to wall bookcases and a corner desk with a hutch, plus a writing desk if I need to spread out. You can see it here.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

I probably should, but at this point I don’t. Since I have to have a “real” job to pay the bills, I never know for sure what my schedule will be like.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I have the tremendous blessing to be able to work out of my home right now, so I get some flexibility in my schedule. Usually I get up and check my e-mail so I’ll know what’s going on with my boss and with my writing friends. And I always want to know if I have any news from my agent. Once I’ve taken care of anything pressing, I can write. Some days I get more done than others.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

I mostly start with a setting. I’m interested in a lot of different time periods, and each of them has different constraints and different risks. Then I put my main character into it and find out what his problem is and try to figure out how he solves it. When I first started writing, I would just write the scenes that interested me and then figure out how to tie them together.

Now, though, my agent wants proposals and synopses of books that I haven’t written yet, so I have to do a lot more planning ahead of time. So, since I know where I’m headed, I just have to figure out how to get my hero from initial problem to complication to resolution. After that comes the grinding it out part, getting something on the paper until I have a whole story. Next comes the fun.

Once the story is all down on paper, I can smooth it out, add nuances and layers of theme and allegory and foreshadowing. I usually weed out or combine characters that aren’t necessary, too. After that, I usually let the book sit for a while and don’t look at it or think about it. If possible, I let a writer friend of mine read it during that time so I’ll have the benefit of fresh eyes. There are always problems I didn’t notice because I’ve read a manuscript too many times. Then I go over the book again, fix typos and inconsistencies and add more nuance if needed. I repeat the process until I feel the book is ready. Then it goes to my agent.

What are some of your favorite books (not written by you)?

Francine Rivers and Athol Dickson are probably my favorite Christian authors, simply because they write so beautifully. I love Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers mysteries, which is why my work in progress is a 1930s mystery, too. I love Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books when I’m in the mood for Americana. Georgette Heyer wrote the most delightful Regency novels ever, and Ian Falconer’s Olivia books are a treat even if they are meant for kids. Man, I could go on and on, but these are a few of my favorites.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

The best and only advice I think is helpful is to write. Just write. Write the absolute best book you can. The rest will take care of itself.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

I think the time and frustration are actually a necessary part of developing into a good writer. There are some things you just can’t know until you’ve been through them. Learning how to work through plot and characterization challenges helps to give your writing your own unique voice. Life experience adds to the depth of your stories, and that includes the experience of being rejected multiple times and learning to bend and grow a little throughout the editing and publishing processes.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I don’t do that much because I haven’t had anything new out in a while. Once I have a publisher for A Dinner of Herbs and my mystery, Heir to a Murder, I plan to do more. I think word of mouth is the biggest help. Getting review sites and bloggers to talk about your book seems to be the latest thing.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

There are lots of great books on craft. Take advantage of them as much as possible. Why reinvent the wheel?

Thanks so much for interviewing me!

Author Interview: Penelope Wilcock

Penelope Wilcock is a Methodist minister who served as a full time pastor to no less than six rural congregations simultaneously. Author of more than half a dozen books of fiction and poetry, she believes, “...that God speaks to us through every smallest circumstance of life,” a life she now makes with a new husband, and new duties in the Aylesbury Circuit in Buckinghamshire, England.




What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?


My novel The Clear Light of Day has just been published by David C Cook. It’s a story about personal searching, exploring where the wellspring of spirituality may be – in the institution of the Church, in personal relationship, in lifestyle. It considers what it is that makes us whole, what heals our souls; and asks a few questions about the priorities we might choose for finding the way of the spirit in today’s world.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.



I have been writing work for publication since the end of the 1980’s; mostly fiction, also some poetry and pastoral theology. I was delighted to enter a new contract, because writing fiction is one of my favourite aspects of life, and it is always so affirming when a publisher says ‘yes, we like what you do.’

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

I’m not sure ‘self-doubt’ is exactly it. Not everything I write works; sometimes I have nothing to say, or have trouble getting focused enough to produce writing that meets my own standards – but I always know I have the capacity within me, and I can recognise when something I have written hits the target. It is also helpful for me that the projects I engage in are about communicating what I believe at a very deep level. Living in the light of something greater than myself, and resting the work I do in that bigger context, generates peace and confidence that what I have to say is worth hearing.

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

Well, I never really have had any particular strategies. I just follow my nose and offer up my work on the altar, and the right opportunities somehow come along.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?


I am slightly embarrassed to admit that though my agent (Chip MacGregor, who is a wonderful agent) sends me lots of helpful tips and information, I still prefer to trust him and trust the publishers, trust the way life opens up a path and sends along opportunities. I think the best advice is probably ‘Write, and write well’; after all publishers are always keen to find new work and new authors all the time.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

Hmm… I know I deeply distrust anyone who is saying ‘Give us your money and we will make you famous’, ‘Pay hundreds of pounds to go on our course and we will make you rich’, ‘Buy our book and it will make you successful’.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

When I wrote my first novel, I had no idea how much time lapsed between the manuscript being accepted and actually having a real proper book to hold in my hands. I think it maybe took about a year, and I was probably imagining it would all be done and dusted in about 3 months. So by the time I finally had a copy of the book, I’d got a bit bored of thinking about it and started to write something else. At the time that felt disappointing. Also, so much of myself goes into one of my novels, that it is wonderful to receive lots of feedback and responses to what I have written: and again it was hard at first to live with the silence of waiting before people began to write to me who had read and enjoyed my stories – and how I treasured their letters when they came! So a writer can save a lot of frustration by learning to detach emotionally from a manuscript that has gone to a publisher.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

My set-backs as a writer arise primarily from lack of discipline. I wander along just being alive when I could be setting aside regular scheduled time for writing. I call it research…

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

I actually have very few books on my shelves, because I have a passionate belief in simplicity and travelling light, and refuse to get my life tangled up in possessions. So I have one big old pine bookcase that my mother gave me, and once that’s (crammed) full I prune ‘em out. But there are some books I never part with.

There is a book still in print after all these years (first published in the 1950’s) by Munro Leaf called The Story of Ferdinand about a peaceable bull who refuses to fight. It is a story I have loved all my life.

David Whiteland is a stunningly good writer. It is a total outrage that his wonderful story A Book of Pages was remaindered, for it is one of the wisest books I ever read; and his delightful martial arts spoof Fudebakudo: the Way of the Exploding Pen never fails to make me laugh.
Ina My Gaskin’s brilliant Spiritual Midwifery was my companion on the journey through the years when my 5 children were being born, and inspires me still; so does Juliette Bairacli Levy’s work, particularly her Wanderers in the New Forest that tells of the time she lived in that part of England, collecting her herbs and chronicling her observations of the countryside.
Tove Jansson’s work is beloved – as well as all the Moomintroll books, her classic novel of such perception and beauty The Summer Book.

Eleanor Farjeon’s mind produced work of such originality; she was a born story-teller, helped along I think by having been educated not at school but at home. The Little Bookroom is a good one.

Two books I have come across recently and really enjoyed are Ann Lamott’s honest and very funny revelations in Travelling Mercies, and Julia Butterfly Hill’s extraordinary courage, purity of spirit and tenacity that unfolds in her entirely gripping tale The Legacy of Luna, telling of the two years she spent living high in a giant redwood tree to save Luna (the tree) from being felled by loggers.

And finally, I will never part from my by now old and rather battered copy of The Family of Man, the book of what is probably accurately described as ‘the greatest photographic exhibition of all time’, celebrating human life and experience from the cradle to the grave.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

I am still especially proud of the novel I wrote called The Long Fall. It grew out of noticing that chronically sick and terminally ill people sometimes get marginalised in their own lives: medical procedures and nursing requirements can sometimes take centre stage where a person should have been. And the fear that surrounds disability, sickness and dying can be very undermining of personal relationships. So I wrote that novel to give people in such circumstances a voice, and give them back centre stage, not as patients or victims but as people. I wrote to show that love and honesty can prevail in the most difficult and challenging daily circumstances: and the responses that have found their way to me let me know that I did what I set out to do. I’m proud of that.

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

Writing, especially writing fiction, generates such energy for me, it’s a real buzz; and through writing I have met some amazing people: it has brought me much to be grateful for and nothing to complain of. Just the tiniest peeve then: it always feels disappointing when (as happens from time to time) people beat their way to my door to ask me what is the ‘trick’ of getting published. I tell them there isn’t a trick; you just have to write well – but I always feel a bit disappointed to realise that they obviously think I had to work some kind of a number to get my manuscripts past the publishers!

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

First of all, I have to have something to say: an actual idea to communicate – I never churn it out just to make money. Then I create my cast of characters and live with them a bit, get to know them. Then I create the basic landscape of the story; its shape. I establish a word length and decide on the number of chapters and allocate the basic events of the story to their chapters so I know where I’m headed. Next I write whichever of those events I feel most drawn to, and continue this until the story is beginning to form, at which point I go back to the beginning and write straight through, incorporating the sections I have already worked on, into the flow of the wholeI read and re-read as I go, checking methodically for details like unwitting repetition of ‘favourite’ words or unusual words that have caught my fancy and been over-used.
As I am rather given to long passages of descriptive writing, at some stage in the process I re-acquaint myself with the work of Raymond Chandler, reading a few pages of (any of) his work to remind myself that it is possible to conjure up a place or a character with the tersest description, relying almost entirely on dialogue and action.

Finding exactly the right word for what I mean is very important to me, so I always have to hand a thesaurus, on the very top of the stack of books I have gathered for background research information.



I am careful to write nothing I cannot authenticate from my own experience (ideally) or at least from the testimony of others’ experience. I watch and listen and look. A novel was once completely ruined for me by a passing reference to the main character being asked to drink a bowl of ‘rich yellow goat’s milk’. I kept goats myself, and therefore knew that goat’s milk is always pure white – it broke the spell and I just couldn’t finish reading the novel: so I have always been particular to avoid that trap myself.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

My dream is that what I have written will make a difference: that my endeavour, to hold the truth of life as I see it before my readers’ eyes like a quiet light, will find its way into reality.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

I quit every time I finish a project. I never, ever know if I will have it in me to do that again.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

I quite like the part where I pay in the cheque for the royalty advance…
I enjoy the actual crafting of a book, the challenge & the focus, the creative buzz.
I love it when a publisher says ‘yes’ – it’s so affirming.

What I find really uncomfortable (I’m living this bit at the moment) is the time that goes on for ages when I’m just thinking: just mooching around and thinking; just trying out a bit of this and a bit of that and thinking, nothing to show for it but thinking. You see, I am married to a publisher, and his end of the business is fast and furious, knocking out projects like a machine – I find it a bit embarrassing sometimes, just wandering down the track thinking… until finally an idea starts to flower, and at last I know ‘yes – that’s what I want to say’.

How much marketing/publicity do you do? Any advice in this area?

Ah. Now, I am a bit funny about this. You know I said I am into simplicity? Well part of my commitment to a life of simplicity involves not promoting myself. I don’t do myself down, but I am very wary of the push and shove and inherent anxiety of chasing success. So I don’t do it actually. I offer what I have to give, and leave it at that. I believe that all of life is God’s good gift, and all its benefits are a kindness and grace, including any talent I may have or ability to earn and provide for myself. I believe I have a responsibility to contribute my own light and hope and strength, and I trust that it will find its way to where it needs to go.

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

It is more welcome than I can express when someone takes the trouble to write to me in response to what I have written – as though someone has found my message-in-a-bottle washed up on the shore where they are, and got in touch. But of all the responses that have come to me, it meant so much to hear from monks and nuns who had read my The Hawk & the Dove trilogy, letting me know I had got it right, I had understood the life: and to hear from people struggling with disability or bereavement, letting me know that what I had written had found them where they were. It means so much.

Parting words?

I think writers of fiction do themselves a favour if at least some of the time they travel by public transport. The car is a very isolating invention; and chancing upon human interaction, overhearing conversation, witnessing encounter are so important to stimulating imagination and creating believable stories.

Camy's Silly Picture Winner

This is the first picture I received. Another equally funny one, Brandilyn and Camy making fish faces, was strongly considered after being sent in by two readers.

But finally, Patricia Woodside's comment for the above photo of Camy and Chip won me over.

"Got this one from Camy's blog (July 11, 2007). Can't quite figure out if Chip MacGregor looks scared because Camy's squeezing the life out of him and he realizes he's running out of breath, or simply because he was avoiding Camy and she caught him!"

So congrats Patricia - Sushi for One coming at you.

Emotion Emotion Emotion ...

By. M.L. Tyndall

What books or movies do you remember the most? If you think back, I’m sure you’ll discover they were the ones that invoked a strong emotion within you. The best way to write an unforgettable story which will keep your reader turning pages is to grab onto their emotions and don’t let go until the very end. I assure you that if you follow these five simple steps, you will be well on your way to creating a story your readers cannot put down.

1. The reader must first of all care about the character. Most of you know this, but it is so very essential. I urge you to read as many great books on characterization as you can get a hold of.



-----a. Create likeable main characters with qualities and goals we can relate to—humans with human passions, human weaknesses.

-----b. Give them a main story goal that the reader can understand them wanting, but that seems impossible for them to achieve. Make it something that they must have or life will not be worth living for them.


-----c. Give them at least one major character flaw that keeps getting in the way of this goal.


2. Create at least one nasty villain who is out to prevent them from reaching their goal

3. Emotional reactions. As often as you can, express the emotion the character is feeling in the most vivid way possible. Don’t just say “She was afraid”, show her fear as in “Terror sliced through her heart” or “All the blood seemed to drain from her body.” Think of how you would feel in that situation and then describe it in your own unique way.

4. Use all the senses where possible. You can create a “mood” for a scene, even a fearful mood, by incorporating a character’s sense of sight, smell, taste, and touch.


5. Use timing to create tension. Use short, choppy sentences for a fast paced, frantic scene, and long, drawn out sentences for a slower scene. Use single line sentences for effect.

In the following scene from my latest novel, The Restitution, Lady Isabel Ashton’s baby has just been stolen from his cradle in the middle of the night. She discovers he is missing only seconds after he is taken and rushes after the kidnappers. As you are reading, observe the use of all the senses to create a mood of fear, the use of choppy sentences and single line sentences to create tension, and the description of Isabel’s internal fear.

A baby’s wail pierced the humid air.

“Frederick!” Isabel screamed and dashed down the street, peering into the dark shadows.

Tangles of vines and shrubs framing the road clawed at her, stinging her face. Palm fronds quivered in the night breeze. An eerie, cold mist crept over her feet and up her nightdress.


The black outline of a man darted around a corner up ahead. “Bring my baby back!” she cried. “Frederick!” Fear like she had never known before hammered over every nerve. Gathering all her strength, she tumbled forward. The sounds of the night faded beneath the heaving of her breath.

She must not stop.

She must get to her son.

Deep laughter echoed across the wooded path. She rounded a corner and saw the tavern lights flinging a hellish glow over Kingston Bay. Several ships dozed idly on the wave-tousled water as if nothing were amiss.

Isabel slowed, her lungs straining for air. The stench of rotten fish and waste assailed her. She plodded forward, but the saturated air weighed down her every step. The road dipped and then ran along shore among the warehouses. She scanned the buildings.

A baby cried.


I hope this short example helps you to write more emotionally-charged scenes! And thank you, Novel Journey for having me on your website!

Sunday Devotion: Waiting for "The End"

Janet Rubin



I pulled my daughters’ door shut and heaved a sigh of relief. It had been one of those non-stop days—driving three kids in separate directions, shopping, banking, meetings. Far too much for one 24-hour period, but somehow I’d gotten it all done. I gave myself a mental pat on the back, promising myself that The Reward (collapsing into bed with a great book) was only moments away. All that was left to do was let the dogs out…

Moments later, the putrid stench of skunk permeated the house. I tried telling myself that the odor was from somewhere nearby. And had nothing to do with my dogs. Unfortunately, my optimistic thinking didn’t match the ugly reality: they’d been sprayed. It looked like my book would have to wait.

My husband was conveniently at work (good for him), so it was up to me to restore breathable air to our home. Getting two large Labradors to stand still outside while I hosed them down in the dark seemed unlikely. Persuading them to leap over the lip of my tall claw foot tub proved hopeless; hoisting them over impossible. I went with the only remaining choice—taking them into my walk-in shower (which I’d scrubbed earlier that day.)

I took them in one at a time, me in my clothes and them fighting to get away. I had to straddle each beast and hang on for dear life, squirting with Palmolive, then working his stinking fur into a lather. Great gobs of black fur piled in the drain, so much that I had to toss the wads out onto the bathroom floor every other minute. By the time I’d finished scrubbing them down and toweling them off, my white bathroom was covered in black hair. It would take a writer with far greater talent than I possess to adequately describe to you the amount of hair we’re talking about. If I’d had the forethought, I’d have taken a picture; I should have known I’d write about it!

My white tile floor had grown a black shag rug. The walls and floor of my shower, plus the curtain were also black. Even me—my arms, legs, palms, and clothes were so coated in fur that I looked like something that hadn’t quite evolved all the way.

It was midnight before my dogs, my bathroom, and I were clean and dry. Surely now I deserved to flop with a book? One look at my naked mattress and I almost cried. How could I have forgotten that I’d stripped the bed down that morning? I made up the bed and crawled in. With no energy left for reading, I flipped off the light. I slipped off to sleep thinking, with amazement, that the dogs—laying on the floor by my bed—did not actually smell bad anymore. Most of the skunk spray must have been on the hair that had come out in the washing!

When I tucked my girls in that night, I had thought my work was done. I was tired of that day and ready for it to end. Sometimes we feel that way when we finish writing a novel. We’ve spent months, maybe even years writing the story. We’ve edited and re-written. We want to type, “The End,” and move on. It certainly feels like we’ve worked hard enough. But sometimes we have to do more. Edit one more time, cut things away, scrub it even more so it will shine. And even if we feel we don’t have the energy, we have to do it before we can rest. With our last bit of strength, we go over it again. The wordiness, misspellings, and commas fall away like shedding dog hair, until our stories smell sweeter.

As we walk with God, He promises to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). And yes, that takes some major editing! We, His creation, were defiled by an entity far nastier than a skunk. But God loves us still and wants to restore us to the way we were intended to be. We are His story, and we will be made perfect in Him. In order for us to be like Jesus, we must decrease and He must increase. Our sinful self needs to be cut away and His spirit infused. We must be washed in the blood until the stench of sin ceases. Praise God that He is the One who does the work and not we ourselves! And He will not grow weary in His task. He promises to finish the job: Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Lord, Thank You that You don’t give up on us or grow too tired of us to finish Your work in our lives. We need Your cleansing, perfecting touch in our lives. Cut what You will. Purge our sin, renew our minds, conform our will to Yours. Please give us strength to persevere and strive for excellence in our lives and in our writing. Amen

The Great Divide

Recently, I read an article about how Americans can't handle book covers as risqué as our counterparts the British. I had a preconceived notion going into the article that it was stuff and nonsense, but interestingly enough, the covers they used as examples really were offensive. That was the first time I began to think about the differences between American and British book covers.

Then, even more recently, I happened to be on the U.K. site for Amazon and stumbled across the cover of A Thousand Splendid Suns. I was surprised that the British cover made me want to read the book. After all, I've known about the book for awhile, and many of our store's customers have recommend it to me. But until I saw it with a different jacket, I wasn't planning to read it.

This got me interested.

Why is there such a difference between our and British book covers?

I found this article online, which I thought did a great job exploring the topic. [Click here to read it.]

It basically stated that American covers tend to use the full space, sort of a 'the bigger, the better' approach geared towards selling. We prefer color. Our books tend to feature the characters, or something that happened in the book.

British covers tend to be simpler, less complicated. One British publisher said they tend to keep their characters off the front of their books, since Brits don't care to have another person's image of the character in their head. Another noted that British cover tends to be more stark, yet elegant.

Okay, here's where I'm going to get myself into trouble. Honestly, I like most of the British covers MUCH better than I do the American ones. Now keep in mind, this is coming from someone who regularly tunes into the BBC channel and who often watches BBC news, (and who writes British historicals.) So my preferences may have been swayed.


The covers on the left are U.S covers. The covers on the right are U.K. covers:

(Check out the article to see more covers with explanations of the differences. For fun, visit www.amazon.uk.co and look up your favorite books. See what they're like across the sea.)

Camy Tang - Odd Pictures? Send 'em in....

Camy Tang. By now you’ve discovered that she is a newly published author and not a candy shop product.

Today’s challenge: Search the web for the silliest picture of Camy. Why, you say, should you do that? Because it's the last chance for you to win a copy of her debut novel, Sushi For One? ...
on Novel Journey, at any rate.

Now, some of you will have unfair advantage because you know Camy better than others. To make things fair -- the picture must come from the web. As demonstrated by the above photograph, you can find odd pictures in all sorts of places. (not just Camy's website...)

Now for a housekeeping moment from Ane..."Tuesday’s post got shuffled into Monday’s somehow, so please check the comments (the one with 29) for Tuesday’s new winner."

Back to the regularly scheduled Friday post:

Send the picture of Camy, where you found it, and your snail mail address to me at kelly.klepfer@gmail.com by Monday 9-10-07 at noon. In case two or more send the same picture and it's chosen, we'll choose the one sent the earliest.

Ready, set, hunt…

Camy Tang's Sushi for One ~ Reviewed x 2

Camy Tang is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind.

Sushi For One?

by Camy Tang

Published by Zondervan

ISBN-10: 0-310-27398-6

Description:

Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her cousin Mariko gets married, Lex will become the oldest single female cousin in the clan.

Lex has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.

Kelly Klepfer's Review:

I always feel a little nervous when I crack open a book written by someone I know, someone I've bantered with and traded wise cracks with and someone I really like as a person.What if I don't like the book?What will I say?Fortunately, Sushi for One?, will not leave me scrambling to be gentle yet truthful.

Camy Tang is adorable, funny and sweet, and those qualities come through loud and clear in Sushi for One?. I love the cultural feel with unfamiliar language, customs, scents and tastes. I'm a big fan of Amy Tan and am currently reading Memoirs of a Geisha. Tang takes the culture and adds a sassy Americanized spin with Lex, her thirty-year-old heroine.

Lex is obsessed with volleyball, and though I don't even come close to caring about that sport, I didn't get pulled away from the story or annoyed with the many references. The Chick-Lit third person feel of the story created intimacy with Lex and made it easy to cheer her on.Spiritually, Tang tossed in some very real-life situations exploring religion vs. authentic Christianity.

The drama of dating and girlfriends/cousins brought loads of "yuck" moments and chuckles. In the end, I felt certain that Lex was on the road to recovery in many different ways.I recommend Sushi for One to those who love cultural reads, Chick-Lit, and light, fun humor packed with truth.

I’m looking forward to Only Uni, due out in February 2008.

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Ane's Take:

Being of the Baby Boomer generation, I’m not a huge reader of chick lit. It’s not easy for me to relate to twenty-somethings. But Camy Tang has written a unique tale. And I found I enjoyed it.

Germane to the Asian American community, it exposed me to another world. Not only that, but to the unmarried female Asian American culture. Wow. If I had a grandma like Lex’s, I’d have ... well I don't know what I would have done. But what I did do was laugh ... a lot.

Lex’s family is wild, very large and very opinionated. Her grandma is determined to marry Lex off. To whom, it didn’t matter. She just wanted more grandchildren. But Lex stubbornly clung to her list of qualities she wanted in a Christian husband.

To find out what happens, you’ve got to buy the book. Or leave a comment and win it.

Either way, you’ll be glad you did.

The Loud Asian Chick Talks About Chick Lit

Camy Tang is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind.


Chick Lit is a relatively new genre for Christian publishing. It’s only been around since Theodora’s Diary by Penny Culliford was published in the UK, followed quickly by What a Girl Wants by Kristin Billerbeck in the US.

What exactly is it? It’s humorous women’s fiction, basically. But it’s also more than that—there’s a definite atmosphere and voice to a chick lit novel that sets it apart from other women’s fiction novels, from other romances.

Most chick lit is in first person, and often in present tense rather than past tense, but that feature isn’t really what makes a novel chick lit. What sets chick lit apart is the contemporary feel of the language, the sassy personality of the main character, the funny-yet-frighteningly-realistic situations. Chick lit is the story of every contemporary woman—exaggerated.

Chick lit is often about single women, but it can also be about married women with kids (Mom Lit) and older women (Lady Lit). There’s also Lad Lit, which is guy chick lit, but that hasn’t quite taken off in either mainstream or Christian publishing.

A chick lit novel is All About the Girl. It’s the character’s spiritual arc throughout the story. Sometimes it has romantic elements—sometimes it doesn’t. Chick lit is NOT an offshoot of the traditional Christian romance genre, so romance is not always a key factor in the story.

Chick lit differs from women’s fiction in that it can have a slightly irreverent take on life and issues. It doesn’t mean chick lit doesn’t tackle the hard topics—but it often has a unique approach.

The humor in chick lit enables readers to both enjoy the story and commiserate with the character. We can relate to Sally Single Girl and her attempts to get the Love of Her Life to notice she exists. We can relate to Susie Mom who’s trying to reconcile her crazy home life taking care of three kids and her deep desire to do Big Things For God. We can relate to Sissy Golden Girl who’s trying to make her adult children realize she’s not senile yet and she can see through their manipulations.

At the end of the day, chick lit is a satisfying read. It is good, clean entertainment.

We close the book and feel empowered by the heroine’s strengths, touched by her spiritual journey, and relieved that her problems are ten times worse than our own.







Watch tomorrow for my review of Sushi For One? Don't forget to leave a comment to win an autographed copy!

Camy Tang-athon, Part II

We'll be giving away one autographed copy of Camy's debut novel, SUSHI FOR ONE? every day this week. To enter, leave a comment for Camy.


Camy Tang is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/




What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

I signed with an agent without doing my homework about the agent’s reputation and without having a literary lawyer look at the contract. I hadn’t done much research about agents in general.

I should have spent more time talking to authors and talking to agents I met at conferences. I was so thrilled an agent wanted to represent me that I took the plunge thoughtlessly.

My writing at the time wasn’t quite ready for publication—although I thought it was—and I should have simply WAITED for God’s leading to the right agent at the right time. I was much better at waiting on God’s leading and timing later in my writing career, especially as more and more rejections came in.

My current agent is the best agent in the world.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

At my first Mount Hermon Writers Conference, Brandilyn Collins mentioned how all writers should be constantly striving to improve their craft. That advice has stuck with me for years.

I started off voraciously reading writing craft books and articles, avidly listening to workshops on MP3s, and forking out the money to take classes at conferences. That desire to keep learning helped me to improve my craft a great deal in the first few years I started writing.

I think a lot of writers just start writing—and keep writing for years afterward—without learning enough about the craft. While it’s important to just write, it’s also important to learn how to write well.

I can honestly say I spend about 30 minutes a day, five days a week either listening to a workshop or reading a writing craft book or article. That’s not a boast—that’s a challenge to other writers to keep striving to improve your craft. There is never a point when a writer has “made it.”

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

That I could quit my day job once I got a contract. (I can see you laughing, Gina!)


Yes, it’s true—writers don’t make very much when they first start out. Imagine that! If you didn’t know that already, well, you know it now.

Luckily, I had gone back to work during the years I was writing, so I learned how to write efficiently while working full time. I got my contract while I happened to be between jobs—and I had naively thought I wouldn’t have to get another job if I got a contract, and we’d live happily ever after. Boy, was I stupid.

However, if I do have to go back to work eventually, I know my productivity won’t decrease too much, because I’ve worked full time and written manuscripts before. I can do it again.

The housework, on the other hand, might get neglected …

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

Judges’ comments from contests are NOTHING compared to editor revision letters and reviewers on Amazon.

This is not a business for the thin-skinned or vulnerable. Pull up your big girl panties, ladies.

I used to rant and agonize over judges’ comments. I used to take it personally. I used to think those judges were all just stupid.

Some of them might have been stupid, but I was stupider.

It clicked one day when I read a nasty review of a book on Amazon. That could be something somebody writes about my book. Suddenly the judge’s comment that my heroine was too stupid to live didn’t seem so mean.

Editors aren’t mean, but they’re very blunt. They don’t have time to put smiley faces and encouraging words like my critique partners do. (Although don’t get me wrong, I live off of those smiley faces.)

I’m very lucky because all three of my current editors are fabulous. They are all incredibly encouraging, and they really get my writing.

They are also very honest and blunt. I have come to really appreciate that, because they help make each of my manuscripts better, more marketable, more readable.

If I had known this even two years ago, I wouldn’t have wasted so much emotional energy being upset at judges’ comments and scores.

Right now, I’m preparing for that reader who will completely hate my book and bash it on Amazon. Preparing myself emotionally for something like that makes those early days of ranting over contest judges seem trivial.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

I mentioned before about signing with my first agent. The predatory contract I ignorantly signed has haunted my writing career for months.

For a few weeks, I was terribly depressed and stressed at my efforts to terminate with that agent. I couldn’t write, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t even pray because I didn’t know what to pray about.

God helped me through that, with the help of good friends. And although it was one of the darkest periods of my writing career so far, I’ve learned the value of waiting on God’s timing and leading. The consequences of not waiting can be disastrous, and I never want to experience that again.

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

Jane Austen is my hero. I have Persuasion on audiobook, and I listen to that every few months. I also listen to Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice at least once a year.

The woman had an astounding gift with words and wit. Her dry humor and the artistry of her sentences continue to amaze me almost two centuries after she wrote them.

I also love Mary Ann Gibbs and Norma Lee Clark, both Regency and historical romance writers who are no longer in print. I have yet to figure out how they can write characters I absolutely love and craft an engaging, enthralling story I can’t put down.



What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

I was doing an Inductive Bible study on the book of John (thanks to Kay Arthur’s study book), and the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus literally haunted me for days. I wondered about Mary and Martha’s actions, and how Lazarus might have felt as he rose from the dead.

I wrote a short story that isn’t the best example of my writing, but I truly love it. It’s called “Waiting: a Story of Martha and Mary,” and it’s on my website:
http://www.camytang.com/Waiting.html

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

It’s not really a pet peeve, it’s more like a constant frustration. Writing has done terrible things to my diet. I write better when I’m munching on something, and when I’m close to deadline, the diet goes out the window in favor of more inspired sentences on the computer screen.

I recently took up knitting, because I realized that it’s not so much the food as the tactile sensation that helps me write. I am a tactile “creator” I guess you can call it—I need tactile stimulation when I’m in that creative right brain mode. Knitting accomplishes that to an extent—I’ll knit a little, then drop it and type a little, knit a little, type a little.

However, knitting just doesn’t quite get the same creative juices flowing for me like food. Chips, chocolate, nuts. I’ve tried substituting healthy things like carrot sticks and celery, but nothing can take the place of salty potato chips or M&Ms.

This is the bane of life. I’d really like to get down to a more healthy weight—I’m slightly overweight, and my doctor has advised I try to lose those last 25 pounds. It also doesn’t help that I work with my church youth group, and those skinny minnies complaining about their little poochy tummies make me want to vomit. All over their size zero jeans.

(I’m kidding, I really do love them. But I don’t think I fit into a size zero pair of jeans even when I was twelve.)

If I can find a way to write without food, I’d feel like I won the lottery.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

I am a plotter. I think I’m an anomaly in the fiction writing world.

I am completely anal about my plotting. I use Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake method, including that horrific Excel spreadsheet he talks about. In fact, I add more columns to that spreadsheet to make it more detailed.

I spend several months on the plotting and planning stage, although I’m trying to get that time down to three months at the most.

As my main resources for characterization, I use Brandilyn Collins’s book Getting Into Character and Victoria Lynn Schmidt’s book 45 Master Characters. Sometimes I’ll use other books as well, but those two seem to be the ones I always pick up first.

I plot out the storyline and fill out that Excel spreadsheet—actually, I usually end up with two spreadsheets, one as a general outline and one as a more detailed scene outline. This enables me to pace the book, balance the point of view scenes, give the book the best structure I can.

Most of the time, I don’t get as much done on the plotting as I’d like to before I have to turn in the Marketing Info sheet to my publisher, which includes details about the characters, the story synopsis, and the first chapter. However, as long as I have a general idea of the characters and the story, it’s okay if that first chapter changes or the storyline alters a bit.

After I get the outlines done, I sit down to write. It takes me about 50 days to write a 90,000 word manuscript—but this is after I’ve taken months to do the planning and plotting.

I send the manuscript to my critique partners, and then incorporate their crits in my revisions before sending it to my Senior Editor, Sue Brower. She reads it and passes it off to my Macro Editor, Rachelle Gardner, who talks to Sue and then gives me a 10-20 page revision letter. After Macro edits, my Developmental Editor, Becky Shingledecker, continues with fine-tuning my manuscript, all the way to galley stage and publication.


Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

I WANT TO BE ON (OPRAH.) [Novel Journey] (edited for content)

Barring that, I’d love to hit the New York Times bestseller list.

A girl can dream, can’t she?

Some dreams do come true, Camy. Wink. Wink.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

I did quit, because God told me to. But He’s cool that way—He also told me when to take it up again.

I might get in trouble for saying this, but I think every writer needs to reach a point where she’s willing to quit—willing to lay it down before God, to completely submit to Him and His will for her.

It’s not easy—I’m not saying it is. But I think it puts the writer in a particular spiritual place of worship. Willing to give up the writing in order to please Christ.

Abraham did it with Isaac, and God gave him his son back. God can do the same with the writing, if it’s what He wants for you, if it will give Him glory.

Even now, every so often I reach inside myself and ask, Am I willing to lay down my writing again if God asked me to? Sometimes I am, sometimes I’m not. I try to always be honest with Him, and He’s honest with me.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Favorite—plotting and characterization. I love the thrill of discovery of a new character, a new plot. I love coming up with new conflicts and obstacles, of crafting a character’s spiritual arc to the tense climax and the satisfying ending. And hopefully there’s a romantic kiss or two somewhere in there, as well. :)

The actual writing is a close second. Most writers say that plotting saps their creativity, but it doesn’t for me—I still feel that sizzle of excitement as I lay down words, as the scene I envisioned and plotted comes to life on the page.

Least favorite—I hate traveling. I am a bad traveler because I get motion sickness very easily. I hate airports, I hate airplanes. The smells of the terminal and the recycled air in the plane make my stomach ball up.

I use a motion sickness patch right now, which makes me completely loopy and tired. I have tried almost everything else and they don’t work. At all. I haven’t yet tried ginger pills—I’ll see if they work well enough without the side effects of the patch.

Once I’m at the place I have to get to—the conference or convention—I’m okay after a good night’s sleep. It’s why I usually have to get in a day earlier, so I have time to recover from the trauma of air travel. I’m usually exhausted and cranky when I first get in, so if you happen to see me at that point, please forgive me for biting your head off. Because I’m almost guaranteed to do it.





Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

I did, even before the book came out, and it was memorable but not in a positive way. I had very naively thought that all Asian Americans would be just thrilled to read my Asian American novel. That they’d laugh and enjoy the story and characters. It never occurred to me that my writing fiction about Asian American Christians—and, by extension, the Asian American church—would offend some Asian American Christians.

It never occurred to me that my opinion on the Asian American church, which wasn’t quite the same as a few other Asian American Christians, would offend and inflame them. I had blogged about the Youth Specialties Skit Controversy, stating my opinion very honestly—like I usually do about things—but it caught the attention of some Asian American Christians who didn’t agree with what I said and started a heated debate in the comments section. They also blogged about me on their own blogs, all without having read Sushi for One. This was the most hurtful, demoralizing thing that had ever happened to me as a writer. It shattered all my ignorant assumptions about how my book would be received by the Asian American Christian community, and I felt personally attacked by people who should have been my siblings in Christ.

But God brought incredible good out of it. Some Asian American Christians who didn’t agree with the aggressive bloggers contacted me and we started an insightful, encouraging dialogue about the Asian American church. I have learned so much and solidified some of my more vague beliefs as a result of those dialogues. I am also better prepared for how my novel will be received. I know I am breaking ground, because there is no other novel in the CBA written by an Asian American (there are several non-fiction titles, and I have been honored to meet some of those authors). New things will always create some conflict, and I am better prepared for it, now.

How much marketing/publicity do you do? Any advice in this area?

When I first started learning about the writing business, I learned a lot about marketing and the writer. Marketing is not easy and it’s time consuming, but if a writer is willing to do it, it could help boost sales.

I wasn’t published at the time, but seeing how long it takes to gain a presence in the market made me realize that maybe I should get on the bandwagon ASAP, so that when/if I did get a contract, I’d be a little ahead of the game.

My website came first. Just a little thing with info about me and my writing brand, which I summarized in my tagline, Romance with a kick of wasabi. A friend of mine took my Japanese family crest—called a mon—and had a graphic designer embed the letter C in the middle of it, giving me a logo of sorts to put on my website.

I also started blogging, which originally was just a place for me to be verbose and silly. However, I soon realized how powerful a marketing tool blogging can be, if the writer enjoys blogging and is willing to blog often.

My Camy’s Loft blog is targeted at my readers (not writers—that’s what my Story Sensei blog is for), and I post five days a week. My posts are aimed at my readers and what I think would interest them—random news bits, little things about me, fresh new fiction, and Asiana.

Because I targeted readers, I also figured that readers would be like me and like free book giveaways. I started my blog book giveaways a couple years ago and they’ve been very successful. I’ve been able to introduce some fabulous new authors to readers, and I’ve gotten new releases by established authors into the hands of fans.

My website and blogging are both good marketing tools, and they were things I not only enjoyed doing but were also easy for me to do. I always tell writers not to blog if they don’t enjoy it (although a website is kind of a non-negotiable—writers really do need to get a website up).

In addition, I’ve got a newsletter YahooGroup to let readers know about my writing, releases, and my contests. The YahooGroup was super-easy to set up and again, it’s an easy but effective marketing tool.

I also have held contests on my website, with the aim of building the number of newsletter subscribers. My most recent one is a gigantic contest giving away a couple baskets of books and iPods! You MUST be a member of my newsletter YahooGroup to enter, but it’s easy to sign up and then enter my contest. Information is here:
http://www.camytang.com/contest.html

One of the best classes I ever took was a Media Training class by Ellie Kay. It helped to prepare me for a few video interviews I’ve done already. I’d highly recommend for authors to take some type of Media Training, because interviews are usually inevitable.

I only do the kind of marketing and promo that I enjoy doing (with the exception of the video interviews, but the Media Training class made them bearable). Doing marketing and promo things that stress me out isn’t healthy, and I don’t even bother. I’d suggest the same to any writer—do what you feel comfortable with. Stretch the boundaries a little, but don’t stress if you can’t do more.


Parting words?

Thank you so much for having me on Novel Journey! This is one of the BEST blogs on the web for writers, and you guys are my heroes. It’s such an honor for me to be here.

Camy Tang-athon Day I

(Why a whole week for the Camster? Well, look at her. If we don't help her who will? Actually the reason is: no one we know has worked harder at honing her craft, or done more to promote Christian novelists out of the sweetness of her spirit. We thought it'd be nice if what went around came around. Plus, dang it, she's one interesting and fun woman. We'll be giving away one autographed copy of Camy's debut novel, SUSHI FOR ONE? every day this week. To enter, leave a comment for Camy telling her how beautiful, talented and witty Gina is. (Or on whatever less interesting subject you like.)

Camy Tang is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/

What's your problem?

My dog is the most disobedient mutt in the bay area, and this is after six rounds of dog training and an assurance from our trainer that we really are doing things correctly, but she's just stubborn. She's just smart enough to deliberately disobey. It has traumatized us. I am a failure.

Why do you talk so much?

Nerves. And I do NOT talk as much as SOME PEOPLE ...

(Uhem, I'll ignore the above dig, and by ignore it, I mean I'll place, "One hundred percent of all proceeds to benefit the Stop Literacy Now Foundation" stickers on all Sushi For One? covers I come across.)

Okay, back to my insightful questions. Besides talking about herself in third person, Gina can also bend her tongue in half, not long ways like any fool, but literally fold the first third of it flush against the back, thus tasting her own tongue, (mmm). What odd talent do you have?

My toes are so long that I can fold my feet together. It has often grossed out my husband, so I do it to annoy him.

Okay you foot freak, tell us about Sushi for One?

My debut novel, Sushi for One?, just released on September 1st! It’s the first book in my Sushi Series:

Four cousins commiserate their single status—Lex the Jock, Trish the Flirt, Venus the Cactus, and Jennifer the Oddball. The only Christians in their large extended family, they vow to fight the stigma of the infamous family title, Oldest Single Female Cousin. But they have very different ideas about not acting as desperate as they feel about their bleak love lives. Who knew God would have His own plans of true love for each of them?

Sushi for One is Lex’s story:

Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her “perfect man” list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?

Lex Sakai’s family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her older cousin gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousin’s wedding.

Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don’t speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn’t seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. He’s not a jock, he’s not a Christian, and he has a bad history with Lex’s cousin, Trish.

Time is running out for Lex, and no matter what she does, she can’t find the right guy. Especially when she keeps running into Aiden everywhere. If only the list would stop getting longer and longer...

Why should we read Sushi for One? when we can just see the movie?

Now that would be neat. The problem is that there are so few Asian American actors, while there are many from overseas in the US box office. Zhang Ziyi would be neat to play Lex if not for her accent.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

When I first started writing, I had terrible motives. I loved writing, but I also wanted to see my name on a book cover. And I had delusions about making massive amounts of money and owning a second house in the Bahamas (yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking, there). Writing for God’s glory, or serving Him, or doing His will—I didn’t think about any of that.

So God, having a sense of humor, asked me to give up my writing.

I fought Him hard. But as most people know, if God gives a command, refusing can get you swallowed by a whale. I didn’t have to suffer being swallowed for three days, but I did lay down my writing completely. Stashed away my manuscript, stories, ideas, backup disks, everything.

And God, having a sense of humor, guided me to biology work.

I thought my writing was over. I was in a completely unartistic field of work and I hadn’t written a word of fiction for years, although I still played with story ideas in my head.

Finally God, having a sense of humor, arranged for me to be laid off from my biology job and told me I could write again.

I understand now why He took me on that roundabout route, but back then, I thought He was nuts. (You didn’t miss the part where I confessed I hadn’t written a word of fiction in years, right?)

I read tons of writing books, took online workshops, attended conferences. I learned everything I could about writing craft, the publishing business, and the market.

I got LOTS of rejections. I had HORRIBLE comments from judges in the contests I entered. I wrote FIVE complete manuscripts with Asian American characters during a time when publishing houses weren’t actively looking for multicultural stories. And I had to eventually go back to work because it’s just too expensive to be a writer without a contract in the San Francisco bay area.

I guess I had an advantage because I had already laid down my writing once, and God had clearly told me to take it up again. I knew without a doubt that I had His blessing for my writing, so even though things were really hard, I didn’t give up. I knew this was what God wanted me to do.

(I also did not stop working on my attitude, because no way was I going to risk God telling me to lay down my writing again because of my pride and arrogance.)

I had met Sue Brower at an ACFW conference. Sue was Marketing Director for Zondervan at the time, and even though I messed up my pitch, her marketing savvy recognized the potential for an Asian American chick lit manuscript.

Sue pushed Karen Ball (Senior Editor at Zondervan at the time) to read my manuscript, and the two of them pushed it through editorial committee and pub board. I admit I wasn’t really biting my nails in anxious suspense, because all this took MONTHS. You just can’t bite your nails for that long. I knew where my manuscript was every step of the process.

A week or so before the 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, my agent, Wendy Lawton, called me to tell me that everything was a GO. Actually, she emailed me and left a message on my answering machine, so I could scream without blowing out her eardrum. (The message has since been transferred into an MP3 and is saved on my computer. :)

One of my first thoughts was—I have finally lived up to my husband’s faith in me.

My second thought was—I have to call my friends and blow out their eardrums!

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

I think most writers feel self-doubt. I don’t doubt myself every single day, but there are times when I look on the screen and it’s complete dreck, and I wonder if I only had so many books in me, and if I’ll ever produce something else.

Then I call my friend Robin Caroll, who tells me to suck it up and stop being a baby.

I really think all writers need a Robin in their lives. My productivity would be in the toilet without her.

Then I have other friends who tell me it’s not that bad and that I really need to stop listening to Satan’s lies whispered in my ear.

I have a prayer group who prays for me. I honestly think all writers need a group of prayer warriors. My prayer team lifts me up to God even when I haven’t asked for anything in particular, and God always delivers. They have helped me keep the spiritual warfare at bay, and the self-doubts to a minimum.

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

I signed with an agent without doing my homework about the agent’s reputation and without having a literary lawyer look at the contract. I hadn’t done much research about agents in general.

I should have spent more time talking to authors and talking to agents I met at conferences. I was so thrilled an agent wanted to represent me that I took the plunge thoughtlessly.

My writing at the time wasn’t quite ready for publication—although I thought it was—and I should have simply WAITED for God’s leading to the right agent at the right time. I was much better at waiting on God’s leading and timing later in my writing career, especially as more and more rejections came in.

My current agent is the best agent in the world.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

To be continued tomorrow ...

TO ENTER TO WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF SUSHI FOR ONE?, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW FOR CAMY. ONE WINNER A DAY WILL BE DRAWN THIS WEEK.

Sunday Devotion: Mail From God

Janet Rubin


Bad haircut. Need I say more?

Knowing my haircut appointment was fast-approaching, I spent the week perusing one of those hairstyles magazines, dog-earring the pages and studying as if for an important exam. I’d stand by the mirror, scrutinizing my reflection, doing that silly thing woman do, where they sort of hold their hair up to see what it will look like shorter (doesn’t work, trust me).

Fairly confident that I knew what cut I wanted, I went to my appointment. My dear stylist did exactly what I asked her. It didn’t look very good in the mirror, but I chalked that up to the fact that I’m never happy until I go home and fix it up myself. So I went home, fixed it up… and found that it still didn’t look good. So I went back asked her to hack off some more. Again, she did what I asked. And now… I look like a man. Ugh.

So here I was, puttering around the house and trying to mentally work through the situation. I reminded myself that inner beauty is most important, that hair grows back, and that several women I know are bald right now as a result of chemo and I have no right to complain. Still, I was feeling down, and actually considered skipping church tomorrow rather than see people.

Then I went to my mailbox. In it was a mailing from Christian author, Ginger Garrett, promoting her new book, Beauty Secrets of the Bible. Enclosed in her letter was a little card with a quote on it. Here is part of what it said:

“Jesus, who was the essence of beauty, allowed himself to be disfigured so he could save us…. Beauty sacrificed himself for us. We cannot buy beauty, but Beauty has bought us. We are redeemed women, ransomed from shame. We can walk proudly because we don’t have to exhaust ourselves to find beauty; Beauty found us first and saved us forever.”

How perfect was that? Just the thing I needed to read. Jesus took my shame. I am God’s beautiful daughter, washed in the blood of the Lamb and clothed in white, whether I have good hair or bad hair or no hair.

I love how these things happen—how God in His marvelous way—uses someone like Ginger to bless someone like me, just when I need it, even if the thing I'm fretting about it something silly like a haircut. We never know how God will use our writing!

So, I’m counting my blessings. I’m loved, I’m lovely… and I’m a writer, which means I can hide behind and monitor and post any nice picture of myself that I want! And tomorrow? Yes, I'll go to church and sing praises to the One who took my sin and shame.

Isaiah 53:2-5
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Novel Journey Interview with Maggie Anton

I had the pleasure of reading Maggie Anton's work and speaking with her via telephone during an interview for Novel Journey's first podcast. After our interview, Ms. Anton and I chatted about her journey to publication. Our conversation surprised and interested me, so much so, that we arranged to finish our conversation later that day. She sold an impressive 26,000 books running her own independent press.

When I learned that her second novel, Rashi's Daughters, Book 2: Miriam was releasing, I jumped at the chance to interview her on how she went from her own independent press to publishers a bidding war on the remainder of her series.

MAGGIE ANTON is an award-winning writer who studies Talmud and medieval history. She is at work on the third novel in the trilogy, about the youngest daughter, Rachel.

Tell us about your newest release Rashi's Daughters, Book 2: Miriam.

The historical series about three sisters in 11th-century France resumes with the tale of Miriam, the middle child of the great Salomon Ben Isaac (aka Rashi). Having no sons, Rashi continues to teach his daughters the intricacies of the Talmud in an era when educating women in Jewish scholarship was unheard of. Miriam, emboldened by her knowledge, is determined to become not only her community's midwife but also their mohel. While she was able to study Talmud and wear tefillin in the privacy of her home, hidden from those in her community who object to women observing these traditional male rituals, once she begins doing circumcisions, the controversy threatens to split her close-knit Jewish community.

As devoted as she is to her chosen path, she cannot foresee the ways in which she will be tested and how heavily she will need to rely on her faith after the death of her betrothed. This is especially true when a shadowy new suitor arrives in Troyes, an exceptionally learned and handsome young scholar who struggles with a secret that, if revealed, would expose them both to ruin. Yet somehow, the formidable and independent Miriam must decide if they can forge a life together.

What motivated you to stop seeking traditional publication?

I was working with a literary agent for the first book in the trilogy, but I was determined to get it published in 2005 for the 900th anniversary of Rashi’s death. When no traditional publisher showed interest by mid-2004, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Tell us about your decision to create your own publishing company. What were the advantages and disadvantages you weighed?

I decided immediately to create Banot Press rather than going through a subsidy press like iUniverse or Author House. The only disadvantage to forming my own company was the extra time it took to learn how to do this professionally and then to keep the enterprise running. The advantage was that bookstores and reviewers were more likely to take Rashi’s Daughters seriously if it came from a small press that wasn’t obviously connected with the author. I doubt that I would have been able to find a distributor if I’d used one of the vanity presses.

How did you get your first novel edited?

I hired a freelance editor, Beth Lieberman (www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/BethLieberman), who used to work for one of the big houses until it started downsizing. Even though I was hiring her, she was the one interviewing me. A good freelance editor has plenty of work and doesn’t want to waste her time on a book she won’t want to be associated with later.

What is a book shepherd? How did you find out about yours? Will you walk us through the process you went through with Sharon Goldinger?

The short definition of a book shepherd is someone who guides, instructs, cajoles, and sometimes even commands the small publisher on how to produce a superior book. I learned about the profession from reading several books on self-publishing, and when I asked Beth about hiring one, she suggested contacting Sharon Goldinger of Peoplespeak (www.detailsplease.com/peoplespeak).

Very briefly, this was my process. First of all, I wrote a good book and made sure it was well edited. I hired Sharon and followed her detailed (10-page) instructions to the letter. I checked the bookstore for other books in my genre and made sure that mine looked like them, plus had similar front and back matter (which is how I ended up with bookgroup questions).

Then I formed my own small business (got license, new bank account credit cards, and phone number, etc.) I filled out and submitted copyright, ISBN, PCN, and other mandated forms properly. I interviewed, evaluated and then hired great designers for the cover and interior. I made a million decisions about cover and interior design – I was the publisher so the final say was mine. I got quotes from printers and chose the paper stock. Then I obtained distribution and arranged for shipping.

In order to pick up distribution, you had to have a strong marketing plan. How did you put that together?

I identified my target market early on — Jewish women. I figured out where they were (rabbinic schools, synagogues, JCC’s, book groups, organizations like Hadassah) and what about Rashi’s Daughters would interest them (strong Jewish heroine, fascinating historical time period). Then I started contacting them about speaking about my research at their meetings and events. In addition, I set up a web site and wrote articles for target publications (Hadassah Magazine, Golda, Judaism). Sharon helped me compile this information and experience into an application for distribution.

How did you choose your publicist?

Sharon normally does the PR for her book shepherd clients, but she thought I would be better served with someone who specializes in the Jewish market. So we both did some research and came up with Carol Fass Publicity and Public Relations in New York (www.fasspr.com). Like Beth, Carol was very particular about her clients, but once she saw a copy of the book, she didn’t need much convincing to accept Rashi’s Daughters. With Sharon’s help, I chose the most productive and cost-effective of Carol’s many services.

How many copies (printings) of your first novel did you manage to sell on your own?

Joheved went through six printings, for a total of just over 26,000 copies. I have about 500 left in my garage.

How did the leap come about from owning your own press to being picked up by Penguin? Did they purchase the entire series?

[Sorry Guys, but the answer to this is an exclusive found only in our newsletter. If you haven't already signed up, you still can! Just look above, in the left-hand column.]

Was it strange seeing your first book redone?

Not too strange. Plume didn’t change the interior at all, and the new cover was very similar to the original. I had insisted on cover consultation, and they were very good about getting my approval. I agreed that it was important that Joheved be more clearly labeled “Book I” now that there was also a Book II. I miss the bold red cover, but it wouldn’t have worked with the new design. And I love having the women’s faces on the spine.

What changes have struck you the most working with a traditional publisher verses your own company?

I have no control over the size of each printing and I have no easy way to find out how many copies have been sold. Plume’s PR people make their own marketing decisions, and I find out what they’re doing when it happens. Of course, Plume does things I never could have done before, like getting Rashi’s Daughters into Costco and onto special tables in the big chain bookstores. I know that Plume’s promotion will stop in a few months, but I’ll still be plugging away at speaking engagements and book signings until it’s time for Rachel in 2009.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of going the traditional route?

The main disadvantage is the lack of control, the main advantage is that big advance; only a little of my own money is on the line.

What advice would you give to others wanting to start their own publishing company?

Have a well-written book with a clearly defined audience, and hire all the appropriate professionals to help you make it a reality. Have reasonable expections about how many books you’ll sell and how much money you’ll make.

What's happened to Banot Press now that you've taken your series to Penguin?

I haven’t closed it down. I might want to publish someone else’s work or perhaps another book of my own. Right now I’m too busy writing Rachel to take on anything new though.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

When I first decided to write Rashi’s Daughters, I had in mind another possibility, a historical novel about a woman mentioned many times in the Talmud, Rav Chisda’s daughter, who was married, in turn, to scholars who headed the two great Talmud academies in Babylon. I think the time period when the Talmud was redacted (500 CE) is also a fascinating one that few people know about. So I still want to tell the story of Rav Chisda’s daughter. Of course, if my trilogy is really sucessful, I might have to write Rashi’s Granddaughters.

Parting words?

This entire Rashi’s Daughters phenomenon was a surprise to me; I never intended to be a novelist, let alone write for the publisher of Girl with a Pearl Earring. I feel like I’m on a long escalator – I have no idea where it’s going and I can’t easily get off. But so far I’m enjoying the ride and eager to see where it takes me.