Welcome to the blog of author Tricia Goyer!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 22)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Colleen Coble had this to say: If I had only one thing to say to aspiring writers, I'd tell them not to make my mistake of writing one book then sending it out for YEARS before starting another. Finish a book, edit it to the best of your ability, send it out, then MOVE TO A NEW STORY. If I'd done that, it wouldn't have taken me seven years to be published. I had all my eggs in that one basket and was desperate to have that particular book published. When the rejections came back, I'd rework it and send it out again. And again. And again. You get the picture. LOL

You learn more about writing by writing. Reading books and attending conferences (while all good and necessary to my mind) aren't substitutes for actually DOING it.

--Colleen Coble, author of Anathema, Abomination, The Rock Harbor series, and more. Visit her online at her website here and the Girls Write Out Blog.

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Barbara Warren's WRITING TIP OF THE MONTH

PLOT AND STRUCTURE
Before you start plotting your novel, answer three questions:

Whose story is this?

What is this story about?

Where am I going with this story?

These three questions have to be answered, whatever kind of story you plan to write. Whether it's romance, mystery, mainstream, whatever, you have to know these three main ingredients for your story.

Whose story is it:
Choose one main viewpoint character—either your hero or your heroine. Even if you use multiple points of view, there must be one character who is dominate—the other (hero or heroine) is almost equal, but not quite.

You may use more than one or two points of view, but they are not equal to the main characters, so they must play a smaller role. Your main character gets the most space, your next character gets almost as much, but not quite, your other characters get a smaller amount of space.

And always ask yourself if these other point of view characters are necessary to tell the story the way you want it told.

(If you use more than two points of view, try to hold it to four at the most. More than that will confuse your reader) You want to introduce your main characters to the reader, and you do that as soon as possible. Then you want to involve the reader in the story and you do that by staying with your main characters long enough to form a bond between the reader and the character. Skipping around from one viewpoint to another, between a multitude of characters doesn't stay with one character long enough to pull the reader into the story.

Name your characters: Your reader won't care about a nameless man or woman.

The stronger your characters are, the better your plot. Don't make your characters perfect. Perfect is boring.

Don't dump information about your character into the story in chunks. Show it through action, dialogue, and internal thoughts. Don't give your reader a long paragraph showing Jane's personality quirks, what she thinks about things, what her background is, show it through Jane's behavior.

What is this story about:
What does your main character want, and what stops him from getting it? This is the driving force of your story, and make sure it's a serious want or need, not something that could be resolved if everyone just sat down and talked it over.

Your character can either want something, or want to get away from something.

Something is happening, or is about to happen to shake the character out of her safety zone.

Have a sense of motion, something going on.

Never start with a dream, a flashback, back story, a long passage of description, or internal monologue.


Choose one dominant objective. This is the problem your story is built around. It has to be something that will change your character and that will send his life in a new direction.

Opposition: Who opposes your character? What does your main character have to overcome to reach her goal? Who stands in his way, and why? And make it something almost insurmountable. Make your hero struggle to win. Don't make it easy on him. Make your opposition strong. Your character can struggle against flesh and blood, or some outside force, like nature—a hurricane, tornado, landslide, etc.

Where Am I Going With This Story:
A strong ending: write a strong story with a weak ending, and you'll lose a reader. No one likes to reach the last page and have the book end with a whimper. Always send your reader away satisfied.

Additional Ingredients You Need To Plot:

Characters:
People buy books to read about people. The better you know your characters, the better you can bring them to life on the page. First of all, you need to know your character's background. Know his personality, his ordinary life. Then you have to hit him with something that knocks him out of his safety zone. Show him struggling
to cope. And we don't all cope in the same manner. How will this character you have invented cope with this major problem.

And your character must be likable. He should have flaws, even be a bit of a rogue, but he has to be likable. Most of us don't hang out with hateful people. We don't want to read about them either.

Setting:
Where does your character live. What does she do for a living? Make your reader see the location. Don't describe every detail, but give enough information to place the reader in the setting. Avoid paragraphs of description. Work the setting into the story.

Dialogue:
Let your characters speak like real people. Listen to the way people
you know talk. Eavesdrop. Keep notes on interesting phrases and speech patterns, and match the dialogue to the character's personality, age, and lifestyle.

And your book should be at least half dialogue.(If it's not then you're probably telling a good portion of your story instead of showing it by letting your character move and talk)

Information:
Don't dump information in chunks. Let your character act first, then explain later. And when you do explain, remember the iceberg. Show a little at a time. Set what you want your reader to know inside dialogue and conflict.

So, before you begin to plot:
Choose your viewpoint characters, and determine whose story this is.

Decide what your story is about and stay focused on that. Don't go wandering down side roads.

Get acquainted with your characters. Decide where they live, what they do for a living, how they talk, etc.

Give your main character a strong dominant problem, one that won't be easy to solve.

Choose a strong opposition, what or whom your character must overcome in order to win.

And have some idea where you're going with your story—know something about your ending before you get there.


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 21)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Jerry B. Jenkins shares his advice: What would I say to an aspiring novelist?

Develop a thick skin. A piece of published writing is not a solo but rather a duet between you and your editor. My 175th book will release this summer -- Riven, a novel about a death row inmate who chooses crucifixion as his method of execution -- and I still rely heavily on my
editor.

It seems our very lives and senses of self worth are on every page, but if we are writing for only admiration and acceptance, we should send our stuff to people who love us. If we want to be published, however, and see our best work reach the public, we must be open to that fresh second set of eyes on our precious words.

Read the rest here.

--Jerry B. Jenkins, multi-published author of Riven, The Left Behind Series, Hometown Legend, and many more.

Jerry is also the owner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild which helps to mentor and train aspiring writers. Read more about them by clicking the logo below.


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

Friday, May 23, 2008

When I write...


I have a photo on the window sill of my office. It's a photo sent to me by a reader. She's a young, farmer's wife who lives in Iowa. With her in the photo is her husband and young daughter. I often look at that photo when I write. I think, "What does Jessica want?" She wants to be swept away. After all, she's had a busy day on the farm, with the kids and her husband. She also wants to be encouraged. Times are tough and she wants to remember that God is there ... even in the big stuff. Even in the small stuff, too.
I write historical novels centered around World War II, and I know weaving in true stories within the fiction is important, but I also remember there are real people who will pick up the books and their true stories can be changed, for the better, with my words. This is my hope.



Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 20)


C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Rebecca Seitz weighs in...
I'd say, "Do you love stories?" I mean, deep down, in the place where you're the truest you, do you love stories? If stories are your passion, then everything else can be taught. If it isn't, though, you're setting yourself up for frustration and heartache with no redeeming value. Think before you take the steps down that novelist's road. When you get to its end, will you be where you intended?

--Rebeca Seitz, President, Glass Road PR. (She's also the author of the novels Prints Charming and Sisters, Ink -- visit her online here.)

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Better, Smarter...Best!



I may blog about writing, but I'm only able to give output because of the input filling me up. I'm always trying to learn. I know writing is a life-long teaching experience!

So how do I learn?
I have attended the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference 13 times.

I buy conference cds and listen to them.

I subscribe to Writer's Digest Magazine, and I'm part of Writer's Digest Book Club.

I purchase 1-2 writing books a month.

I have taken numerous on-line classes, one as recently as last fall.

I have a network of other authors who I critique with.

I read blogs on writing.

In 2000 and 2001 I took writing classes at our local community college. The teacher is a retired screenwriter from Hollywood, and he is amazing. At least once a year I take him out to lunch and I absorb the conversation like a sponge.

I listen to my editors and try to learn something with each book.

I read memoirs by writers.

I read books on marketing, on media, on speaking.

I also teach writing--at conferences, in blogs, to local teens. This sharpens me.

I listen to lectures from The Teaching Company on writing ... and on anything that interests me.
It keeps my brain sharp.

I keep a notebook of book ideas and ponder them through the day.

I can say that every day I'm learning something about writing--how to do it better, smarter, or about how I work best. I still feel as if I have so much to learn!


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 19)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Jeff Gerke: If I were sitting across the table from an aspiring novelist who needed the first bit of guidance, I would tell him to learn his craft.

Some things about the path of a novelist can't be taught. Perseverance, for instance. An abundance of story and character ideas. A tale burning a hole in your heart. But the craft of fiction can be taught, and the novelist who does not commit himself to years in pursuit of its mastery might as well spend the time doing something else. Like playing video games.
Read the rest here.

--Jeff Gerke, novelist, book doctor & publisher of Marcher Lord Press (Be sure to check out his informative website WhereTheMapEnds.)


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Monday, May 19, 2008

Blog tour for A Whisper of Freedom--It's a meme!

It's not too late to join in!



Welcome to the blog tour and MEME for A Whisper of Freedom.

During the tour, you can enter to win one of FIVE signed copies of A Whisper of Freedom by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here!

Here's how the tour will work...along with a review and/or post about A Whisper of Freedom, the bloggers will also answer these questions and either tag specific people or tag their readers. See below for schedule of FABULOUSO bloggers.

Check out their blogs...and answer the MEME too!

Here are the MEME questions!

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

5. List the last three things you've lost.

6. List the last three things you've found.


****Three brave "players" will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (Gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter all you have to do is answer the MEME on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post here http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2008/03/whisper-of-freedom-meme-sticky-post.html that you’ve posted your MEME. Easy.



May 12
Trish at Books for Moms
http://booksformoms.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

Jennifer at So Many Books...So Little Time
http://somanybooksblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-by-tricia-goyer.html
Susan at His Reading List
http://hisreadinglist.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-contest.html

Tiffany at Amber Miller
http://www.ambermiller.com/2008/05/blog-tour-tricia-goyer-and-whisper-of.html

Brittanie at A Book Lover
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour.html

Heather at Mumblings of a Mommy Monk
http://mommymonk.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-meme.html

Pattie at Fresh Brewed Writer
http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

May 13
Jenny at My Buckling Bookshelf
http://mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-whisper-of-freedom-by-tricia.html

Stacey at Jamee Forever
http://jameeforever.blogspot.com/2008/03/you-wont-soon-forget-this-one.html

Erica at On the Write Path
http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-tricia-goyer-meme.html

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee
http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/2008/03/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour-and-meme.html

Jennifer at Snapshot
http://jennifersnapshot.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

Jamie at Surviving the Chaos
http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/2008/05/its-here-its-here.html


May 14
Tabitha at I Make It Up As I Go Along...
http://123pizza.org/blog/2008/05/14/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour/

Leticia at My Daily Trek
http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour-and-win.html

Beth at The Write Message
http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour-and-win.html

Melodee at Actual Unretouched Photo
http://www.unretouchedphoto.com/2008/05/14/book-tour-a-whisper-of-freedom/

Miralee at Coming Home
http://miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/2008/05/tricia-goyers-book-three-in-chronicles.html

Lena at A Christian Writer's World
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2008/05/different-kind-of-blog-tour-with-author.html

Laura at Lighthouse Academy
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/2008/05/tricia-goyer-whisper-of-freedom-review.html

Deborah at Books, Movies, Chinese Food
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/2008/05/book-review-whisper-of-freedom-by.html


May 15
Christy at Christy's Book Blog
http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

Lashaunda at Sormag Tours
http://sormagtours.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour.html

Lori at Laurel Wreath
http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/2008/05/15/tricia-goyers-a-whisper-of-freedom/

Tara at Piano Girl
http://pianogirl.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/whisper-of-freedom/

Vicky at Savvy Reviews
http://vickitalleymccollum.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-by-tricia-goyer.html

May 16
Gina at Writer Interrupted
http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/2008/05/15/whispers-of-freedom-meme/

Christy at Critty Joy
http://crittyjoy.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/a-whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour/

Camy at Camy's Loft
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2008/05/tricia-goyer-meme-contest.html

Melissa
http://forstrose.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour-meme.html

Rel at Relz Reviewz
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-for-whisper-of-freedom.html

Kathie at Taking a Stroll
http://takingastroll.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-blog-tour.html

Cara at Cara's Musings
http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-meme.html

Cee Cee at Book Splurge
http://booksplurge.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-whispers-of-freedom-by-tricia.html

May 17
Crystal at Christian Book Scout
http://christianbookscout.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-chest-full-of-gold.html

Deena at Deena's Books
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/2008/04/on-tour-with-tricia-goyer-and-whisper.html

Karen at Sky-High View
http://sky-highview.blogspot.com/2008/05/tricia-goyers-whisper-of-freedom-blog.html

Karla at Karla's Crazy Life
http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-book-tour-and.html

Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
http://thenearsightedbookworm.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-by-tricia-goyer-and.html

May 18
Peg at Sips and Cups Cafeteria
http://peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com/2008/05/special-blog-tour-whisper-of-freedom.html

Audra at Penning Prose
http://www.audrasilva.com/blog/?p=63

Lynetta at Open Book
http://lynetta.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure-chest.html

Revka at The Porch Light
http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-whisper-of-freedom.html

Dee at Dee's Christian Fiction
http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom-meme-sticky-tour.html

Lauren at Baseballs and Bows
http://baseballsandbows.blogspot.com/2008/05/whisper-of-freedom.html

Dena at Mother Inferior
http://denadyer.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/win-lost-gold-c.html

Martha at Our Family's Adventures
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/534219/


About the book: Battles heat up…not only those being waged by the soldiers on both sides fighting for Spain, but in the hearts and minds of the men and women who must sacrifice more than their dreams to save the lives of their loved ones.

In this meticulously researched novel, brave and idealistic Sophie, Philip, Jose, and Deion realize their only hope for freedom is escaping Spain's borders.

By continuing the story of this band of volunteers during the Spanish Civil War, A Whisper of Freedom proves that there are whispers of hope and liberty that resonate through even the darkest night.

Links:
Book excerpt
Buy the book
Watch the series trailer

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 18)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Nick Harrison: The one thing I would say is that becoming a successful writer is a result of doing many things; some easy, some hard. First is to make sure this is what God wants you to do. Then trust that He will open any necessary doors for you to succeed. Then, write from your heart. Write with passion. As Thomas Carlyle said, "If a book comes from the heart, it will contrive to reach other hearts. "arrison: Read the rest here.

--Nick Harrison, Senior Editor, Harvest House Publishers

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 17)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Here's Karen Ball's response:

Send no proposal out before its time.

Make your manuscript as strong as it can be before you send it out. With competition as fierce as it is nowadays, we're looking for manuscripts that have a spark. Something that jumps out and grabs us, be it the uniqueness of the plot, an especially engaging character, or writing that is so strong it grabs from the first paragraph. Read the rest here.

--Karen Ball, best-selling novelist and senior acquisitions editor for B&H Publishing Group. (Visit her online at her website here.)



Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Monday, May 12, 2008

New book alert!


She Always Wore Red, by Angela Hunt (Tyndale House)

Jennifer Graham—mother, student, and embalmer’s apprentice—could use a friend. She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora. While McLane’s soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane, then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship. When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character . . . and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.

A Romantic Times Top Pick! “Be prepared to shed a few tears in Hunt’s emotionally gripping tale, the second in the Fairlawn series. With themes of family, friendship, and trusting God, the plot is enhanced by realistic and engaging characters. Jennifer’s growth as a character is evident, and the supporting cast enhances the story in a significant way. “ --Melissa Parcels, Romantic Times reviewer

Let's chat with Angela!

Q: What's up with the funky photo?

A: Tee hee. It's my "serious author" photo. I snapped it myself, sitting at my computer. Notice the funereal pose.

Q: The first book in this series is Doesn't She Look Natural? Do people have to read the first book in order to understand the second? (And congratulations on the Christy Award nomination for that title!)

A. Thank you--I'm honored. And no, people don't have to read the first book first, though it's always nice to read the books in order to get a sense of the story and background. But all the books will work as single title reads.

Q: The Fairlawn series is set in a funeral home. Did you observe the embalming process in your research? Or just read about it/interview morticians? It's fascinating. (Although I'm sure some folks with non-medical backgrounds are a bit grossed out by it!) Believe it or not, I had always wondered about getting the clothes on; that was an "aha" moment in the first book!

A. Unfortunately, with the advent of all the new privacy laws (HIPPA, anyone?), I was unable to observe an embalming--and believe me, I was ready and willing. So most of my research came from books, photographs, and interviews (and once you announce that you're working on funeral homes, morticians seem to come out of the woodwork!)

It just so happens that one of my Tyndale editors grew up in a funeral home. She has been a great asset--she gave me the idea for the funny flower arrangements and the funeral singers, plus I had written a scene in book three where Jen and Gerald sit down to eat a steak in the prep room. My editor said that didn't feel right. "Too weird?" I asked. "No," she said. "There's always an odor in that room . . . not very appetizing."

Ah. That's the sort of thing you can't always get from a book. :-/

I certainly hope the embalming stuff didn't gross anyone out, and I tried to ease my readers into it just as Jen is herself "eased" into it. Book one--the barest trace, book two, a complete description of an arterial embalming, book three, the cavity embalming. And frankly, that's as far as I want to take it. Any more would be gross for grossness's sake.

Q: Did you and your editors disagree over how much of the body preparation process was acceptable to include? I ask because I find all that sort of thing fascinating, and I think that I would include far more than most people would care to read, initially.

A. Actually, the embalming you "see" is the embalming I put in. :-) After 20 years in this business, I think I've developed a pretty good instinct for knowing how much is too much. And you can be descriptive in a way that is clinical rather than gross (" She searched for the carotid artery" as opposed to "her stomach clenched as her gloved fingers eased into the warm opening and she tried not to think of fish guts"). So actually, none of my editors ever remarked on the level of detail . . . and none of my readers have complained. Yet. :-)

Q. How has working on this series changed your attitude about death?

A. I'm utterly at peace about it--not in a hurry to pass on, you understand, but very relaxed about the process and my final destination. Doing research has also convinced me that I want to be buried, not cremated, and that I'd be better off buying my casket online.

Q: Can you give us a hint about what happens in the third and final Fairlawn book?

A. Sure. People die and Jennifer buries most of them. It's a funeral plot.

Q: Groan. That's not much of a hint. Was that pun intended?

A: I don't like to give all the plot twists away! Okay, here's a blurb from the back cover copy (yes, the book is finished and handed in): In She's In a Better Place, the third book of the Fairlawn series, Jennifer Graham is now running the Fairlawn Funeral Home. Her work takes on a new dimension when Gerald Huffman, her assistant and mentor, reveals that he has a serious illness. When she learns that he and his daughter haven’t spoken in years, Jen decides to help them reconcile . . . but things don’t go exactly as she planned. Once again, the mortuary is a setting for lessons of laughter, love, and life.

Q: The setting--a funeral home--is unique, but these books are really about the typical challenges that face women today, right?

A: Oh, yes. Jennifer is a single mom juggling school, motherhood, and a career--and I think most modern women can relate to her. I certainly can.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

A. (whispering) I think you're supposed to ask where they can order it.

Q: Right--where can people order this book?

A: Thanks for asking! You can order it from your favorite online bookstore.

Or, to make it simple, just click here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414311702/booksbyangelae0d

For more information, visit http://www.angelahuntbooks.com/.

Thanks Angela!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Make your own video trailer!

Alton Gansky posted this on one of the writer loops we belong to:

A few weeks ago I learned of www.animoto. com. I think it might have some marketing value for writers. In short, it's a website where you upload photos and it will automatically make a music presentation. I did a down-and-dirty experiment with some of my bookcovers. That's what the embedded link is for.
Alton Gansky
http://animoto. com/play/ qeaKgDCyDiRKdYdc 005tZA

If you like it, why don't you try creating one yourself? It's free and really simple, so head over to our site and give it a try: http://animoto. com

Cool.

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 16)


C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Rebekah Guzman weighs in today...One thing I like to remind any writer is simply this: You can’t create and perfect at the same time. While most editors love an author's attention to details, don’t feel like you have to get everything right the first time. Jot down your thoughts, create the content, and then set it aside for some time and come back to it later. Keep in mind that editors are here to help you. I love coming alongside a writer to make his/her work the best it can be. Also, remember to pray for wisdom as you create (for now)—and later as we perfect, together.

--Rebekah Guzman, Senior Editor, Navpress

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Warriors by Mark Andrew Olson


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Warriors(Bethany House April 1, 2008) by Mark Andrew Olsen


About the book: A failed recon mission deep in the tunnels of Afghanistan has provoked a demonic onslaught that had been brewing for centuries. The mission's sole survivor is reformed black ops assassin Dylan Hatfield, and he once again teams up with Abby Sherman, now at the helm of the Watchers, an ancient spiritual force. Uncovering and preventing a secret wave of death whispered across cyberspace and threatening to be unleashed against civilization will require another level of spiritual power and expertise--the Warriors.

Journeying across the Alps of Europe through the multilayered history of warfare in the unseen world, Dylan and Abby uncover an age-old stone engraving that rouses the church's Warriors to action, placing them dead center in one of the fiercest spiritual battles of their time! And once again they are reminded: This is all part of a vast and perpetual war, a war beyond all human conflicts, one that has engulfed heaven and earth since before the dawn of history....

Abby Sherman is headed back to Israel, where a Watcher, the Sentinel of Jerusalem, lies dying. In her last breaths the old woman tells Abby of an ancient document prophesying humanity's full-scale entry into the ongoing conflict between armies of heaven and fallen angels. Dylan Hatfield has decided to answer a summons from his old boss and join a secret operation, its mission to reconnoiter the Afghani tunnel complex from which Osama bin Laden escaped in 2001.

What he discovers sears his very soul and likely will end his life. Abby learns of the peril facing Dylan, and she sends out a call for intercession on his behalf. Her frantic email message sets in motion a series of harrowing events, propelling the two on a new mission and quest--one where the stakes are the lives of millions!

The Warriors is packed with high-octane action, featuring exotic international locales, with characters in a clash against spiritual "principalities and powers" with eternal consequences, The Warriors is a story that will enthrall, enlighten, and engage its readers.

If that piques your interest, you can read the first chapter HERE

About the author: MARK ANDREW OLSEN whose novel The Assignment was a Christy Award finalist, also collaborated on bestsellers Hadassah (now the major motion picture: One Night With the King), The Hadassah Covenant, and Rescued. His last novel was the supernatural thriller The Watchers.

The son of missionaries to France, Mark is a Professional Writing graduate of Baylor University. He and his wife, Connie, live in Colorado Springs with their three children.

Buy the book here

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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 15)


C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Today we hear from Dave Long, acquisitions editor at Bethany House but also an author in his own right. Ezekial's Shadow is probably his most well-known book, earning him a Christy Award.

Take it away, Dave!: Publishing is not the apotheosis of writing. Completing something you love is. Publishing is a random, wildly subjective and often painful commodification of your creative spirit. Writing and publishing are two very different things.

--Dave Long, Fiction Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House


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Monday, May 5, 2008

Back Story Question...

Last week's series on Backstory from My Book Therapy generated a great question. Both Susan and Rachel were nice enough to answer...

Question: I've always wondered how authors could come up with some pretty fantastic characters. I wonder how they organize it all (the backstory)?


Susie here: I sit down with my character as if we’re on the sofa and we have a chat, and I go through his/her major life events, and how they affected him, what fears and dreams and lies they might have generated to find out which ones I might include in the story. I might even write out those events in a journal entry and then refer to them as I write the story. I also keep a picture (usually a movie star or a catalogue model) and a chart of the particulars – height, eye color, etc. Finally, I make a timeline of his life, so I keep it all accurate. I staple that all together and keep it with me as I write (and I do this for each character).

Rachel: I write the bio as if someone were going to read about this person like an interview. I would start with your family to who your siblings are, major things that might have happened where they lived, favorite things, past relationships, college, etc. So it’s more of a personnel file. From that, I may find a mindset, a value, a fear, a characteristic I can use to plot and characterize. I organize it all in 3 x5 cards, an excel spreadsheet or I keep it in a word doc. I do it for the major characters – hero and heroines.

Stop by mybooktherapy! We're talking about dialogue!

Thanks for the post Tricia!!!!!!!

No, no ladies, THANK YOU for sharing your GREAT advice!


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Friday, May 2, 2008

Backstory: The Big Reveal from My Book Therapy

On Monday and Wednesday I posted on 'backstory' from Susan Warren's and Rachel Hauck's writing blog, My Book Therapy. You can read that here and here.


So you've whet your reader's appetite with just the right amount of bread crumbs to lead them into the story. They knew, basically, that there is a dark secret in your hero's past, a good reason why he needs to fight the dragon, or climb the mountain. So...when do you reveal the secret?

I love HG TV....it's sort of an addiction, I agree, but HG TV tells me that I CAN fix up my house, I CAN be an interior designer. (regardless of the truth!) I especailly love the show where they go into a really ugly room, and fix it up based on the stuff they have around the house (like Design ReMix). However, every HG TV show is the same...they present the problem, they show how they'll fix it, do the work, then have the GREAT REVEAL. (I admit, sometimes I fast forward to the end, to see if I like the reveal, and thus, should watch the show. I know it's a little like reading the ending of a book before hand. Don't shoot me!) In theory, however, this is a bit how backstory should play out in a book.

Show us the problem. Don't tell us WHY he/she has that problem, just show us the effects of the problem, or the way he deals with the problem. Ie, in my book Flee the Night, the book opens with Lacey on a train, sitting next to her daughter. She sees a man get on – one she recognizes as an assasin. She knows he's after her (but doesn't tell us why). We also know she's protecting a briefcase (don't know why). And, we know that she hasn't seen her daughter for a while. (Also, don't know why). All these problems are hinted at, but not solved.

Then, bring us through the story, showing us how they'll “fix” the problems. All the while, they'll be giving us sufficient motivation as to why this action is the right course, just like HG TV “fixes” their decorating problems. Need a lamp? Oh, we'll just use this old tin garbage can. Need to rescue you're daughter from a kidnapper? Just call up your oldest friend, a Green Beret. And, when he hangs up on you (presenting another backstory hint), then break out of your hospital room handcuffs and go find her yourself. All these things will reveal who she is, and her backstory.

It's like this – we are today the SUM of our backstory. Everything we do, think, or feel is because of the things that have happened to us, the choices we've made. In HG-TV speak, backstory is the stuff we have in our rooms for decorators to work with and create something out of.

Okay, now that you've dropped all your breadcrumbs, when you've assembled the pieces of the story, when, if the reader doesn't find out about the backstory, someone is going to get hurt, THEN you do the big reveal, the HERE IS WHY I let my life come to this. This is a little where my HG TV metaphor breaks down, because in HG-TV land, the Big Reveal is something new and pretty. In the backstory BIG REVEAL, the character sits down with the other characters and the reader and says, okay, here's my secret. Sometimes it's in dialogue. Sometimes it's the revelation of a secret through another source. But about ½ way to ¾ through the book, the truth needs to come out. Why? Usually because there is a final challenge before the hero, something SO great it seems unsurmountable, and maybe not worth fighting for UNLESS we know the backstory. Why is it worth it (or maybe not worth it, depending on the story...a character might have a GREAT thing looming before them, but lack the courage to reach for it, thanks to the backstory) to fight this battle? What is the great motivation behind your actions?

Remember the Patriot, that part in the story where Mel tells Gabriel about his past, during the French/Indian war? It suddenly gives resonance to all the pieces of the story we've seen – his battle ax, the way he confronts the British soldiers after they kill his son, the “type” of men he recruits, even his battle tactics. And, we also understand the opening line: I've long feared that the sins of my past would revisit me, and the price would be greater than I can bear (or something like that).

You'll know when to do the reveal. If you hold back, the truth will press upon you until you MUST tell it. And, if you've set up the problem, and used elements from the backstory room to face them, then your reveal will be something that has the reader putting down the book, just for a moment, to gasp, wipe a couple tears, and dive in with the hero to the end.

When I teach, I often have a lot of questions about backstory - when to put it into a prologue (uh, NEVER!), and how to structure the reveal. If YOU have questions about your backstory, I'll be setting up a VOICES forum for backstory questions today. Stop by over the weekend, and Rachel and I (and your other voices) will try and help.

Happy Decorating!


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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 14)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Dave Bartlett: The phrase "show me, don't tell me" regarding creative, descriptive writing was drilled into my brain by a wonderful college professor (and it obviously stuck). Also, do your research, make your characters believable, lovable, detestable, whatever, but make them believable-- you want, really, need the reader to become emotionally attached to your characters. The same goes for your scenes and settings, they need to be realistic.

Read the rest here.

--Dave Bartlett, Print & Internet publicist, Harvest House





Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends