the Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke

I would like to recommend Jeff Gerke's book "the Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction" as a spiritual lesson. No, that's not a misprint. I've felt the conviction of the Lord on me for months. Finally, two weeks ago, God impressed me to stop writing altogether. It was the hardest thing I ever did. Two days after I agreed to follow the Lord's direction, I received in the mail Gerke's book which I'd ordered. With today's blog in mind, I began reading.

Thank you, Jeff, for writing about examining your reasons for writing. God dealt with me through this wonderful writer's words about making an idol of becoming published. I lacked contentment in what God wanted to say through me. I lost motivation to write, as Gerke calls it, like an invisible novelist. I wanted recognition for my stories, and I wanted it soon. This writing craft book first and foremost called me to submit to God's will for my life.

I should go on to tell you that Gerke provides excellent, practical education on our craft. I've never seen a better explanation of how to spot telling sentences. If God directs me to write more, I will definitely use Gerke's "dumb puppet trick" to best advantage and "become the filmmaker" for my characters.

Yet, all this good help pales in comparison to God's healing and guidance from the pages of a writing craft book. Thank you, Jeff, for writing for an audience of one and letting me in on it.

The Plot Thickens 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah Lukeman

I found it interesting I bought a book on plot, hoping to help me plan my pathway from beginning a novel to the end. However, what I found was a book, which devoted a good portion of text to characterization. Granted, at first, I was disappointed because as I mentioned I wanted to strengthen my plotting skills. What I received was a book with valuable information, containing many ways to layer plots and make plots more interesting.

The Plot Thickens 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Live by Noah Lukeman is great for writers who have a basic plot formation, but want to take their carboard-cut-out-plain-Jane-plot and rocket it to the next level.

The first chapter, Characterization: The Outer Life, helps the writer develop  the many outer layers and use these traits for plot points.

The second chapter, Characterization: The Inner Life, focuses on character's emotional and physical state.

Chapter three, Applied Characterization, teaches how to apply the outer and inner characterization traits to your characters.

In chapter four, The Journey, we learn about three profound journeys, focusing on realization. The next journey teaches about seven different surface journeys to strengthen the character's plot.

Chapter five, Suspense, list twelve ways to create suspense and then details how to prolong the suspense.

Chapter Six, Conflict, lists thirteen ways of creating and intensifying conflict among the cast of characters.

Chapter Seven, Context, teaches writers how to focus on a macro-look at their novel to see the big picture.

Chapter Eight, Transcendency, this chapter gives ideas on how to make a novel timeless for all generations.

At the end of each chapter, Mr. Lukeman presents exercises to strengthen the writer's grasp of the material presented.

I liked this quote from Page 120, "Suspense, ultimately, is about anticipation. It is about what we do not have, what has not happened. It's about the process of watching events unfold."

From the book blurb:

Noah Lukeman is a New York literary agent whose clients include multiple winners of the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award, National Book Award finalists, Edgar Award finalist, New York Times bestselling authors, and the faculty of esteemed universities. He has worked as a manager in Artists Management Group, and is currently president of Lukeman Literary Management, Ltd. He is also author of the bestselling The First Five Pages, now part of the curriculum in many universities.

http://wwwlukeman.com/theplotthickens

Things I've Learned Reading as a Writer

Many speakers at workshops recommend reading books as a must for aspiring writer so this winter I've been reading through my stack of books.

One area I've been struggling with is how to handle a scene when the two characters in the scene are of the same gender. In a recent book I noticed how skillfully the author accomplished that task by alternating the names and the pronoun he.

In another book, a secondary character, was introduced, I noticed how the author used key phrases, dialogue, and action to create a picture for me. As I continued reading, she skillfully did this to create individuality for each new character.

The research and sources one author credited in the Forward of her book blended seamlessly so I never stopped to question any details in the book.

I also noticed how one author recorded events happening to different characters in separate scenes so I never felt confused about the sequence of events time wise.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the books even while stopping to take notes on examples of techniques I observed as I read.

I recommend taking the time to observe how authors handle areas that you might be struggling with in your own writing. In other words, follow the advice of published authors to read in order to be a better writer.

from First Draft to Finished Novel by Karen S. Wiesner

Wiesner's book, First Draft in 30 Days, helped me learn the craft of writing. Still today, every time I start a manuscript, I use a research list,a formatted outline and a "lay it aside" mindset. Along came her second writer-self-help book. I began reading at first with disappointment. This stuff was deep. It didn't help. On page thirty, I discovered a great fill-in-the-blank formula for a high concept blurb.
After that, I pressed on and found other gems throughout the book. Layering my characters became easier with Wiesner's idea of enhancement and contrast. Great examples using her own fiction displayed suggestions in the multiple appendices at the end. I learned through this book to list a symbol for my main character. This and other ideas, according to Wiesner, should be added to an outline for strengthening the foundation of my book.
Wiesner uses a symbol of building a story like a contractor frames a structure. She suggests we start with a blueprint and end with decorating the finished building. One decorating tip I found beneficial was about combining description with actions and thoughts.
By the way, for those as blind as me, a tip to the publisher of this book: I first thought the book had no page numbers, and I looked several times before I found one. Page numbers are listed in black at the bottom of each page on top of a dark gray stripe, but they are there.
My take-away "from First Draft to Finished Novel" mounted higher than I'd hoped. Thanks, Ms. Wiesner, yet again for true, practical assistance.
Due to recent rulings, I confess I purchased this book and wasn't compensated for telling our blog readers about it.

If You Build It, They Will Come...

Wow… Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? But does it really work that way?

It reminds me of the story of a man who wanted to be a famous artist. Get his paintings into every house. But he wanted to paint something big, let his inner artist free. So, he began at one end of a two-mile wall and painted a mural all the way to the other end. Only one problem. What the aspiring artist failed to realize was that in order to have his paintings in every home and store, he was going to have to figure out a way to paint within the confines of a frame.

As authors, we too must—at least during the editing process—fit our books within the confines of a frame—a structure. To some, it might seem frustrating. But that framework is there to showcase your story and make those plot points stand out, where before they may have been hidden alongside random episodic scenes. It gives your story direction, purpose.

One book I’ve recently found is called Story Structure—Demystified by Larry Brooks. Although an ebook, this 126 page manual is an excellent resource that will guide you through the oftentimes frustrating process of plotting an effective storyline. Not only does it break it down into four critical parts, it defines when you should have major turning points, and gives examples from best-selling novels.

Interested but not sure if this is something that will really impact your writing? I’m the same way. Too many books and not enough money to buy them all. But on his website archives, Storyfix.com, Mr. Brooks wrote a ten-part condensed version of his book. A great way to “test-drive” what’s in the book. Happy Building!

Storyfix--Post One

(As a footnote, I did purchase the ebook and have not been paid to blog on this. :0) )

Christian Writer's Guild - Apprentice Level

For the past two years, fellow contributing blogger, Sue Watson and myself has been enrolled in Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

Come March, I will have successfully completed this two-year course. I have finished each lesson (two per month) on time (mostly) and have stayed to my estimated completion date.

Would I recommend this course for the aspiring writer? Yes, yes, and an emphatic yes!

What I love about this course is that it takes a writer with basic knowledge about the craft of writing and teaches him/her how to make money by writing articles and non-fiction items. By month five, I was submitting several pieces to different magazines and had several editors request to see my work from my query letters. I didn't get any of my pieces published but it was good experience for me to see how the process works.

Another thing I love is the fiction section of the course. I wished five years ago when I first started writing that I would have taken this course first before joining any other clubs or national organizations. Why? I had such a hard time understanding point of view when I first began writing. In this course, it explains with such clarity what point of view is and how to write different point of views. This fiction section covers plot, dialogue, point of view, scenes, characterization, emotions, and self-editing.

I saved what I love most for the last part, I love my mentor!!! Judy Bodmer is a doll and the best mentor anyone can have. She is such an encourager and is gentle with her critiques. I have learned so much by being paired with her.

The Christian Writers Guild matches each student with a published mentor. The mentors guide each student through the lessons and assignments.

Is this course for you? A resounding yes! This course is beneficial for the beginning writer to the intermediate writer. There is much knowledge to be gained from taking this course.

If you are interested in more information try this link: http://www.christianwritersguild.com/ApprenticeLevel.asp

From the website:

Our Apprentice Level course covers the gamut of writing from fiction to nonfiction. After you register, you’ll receive an introduction to your mentor, a lesson schedule to help you stay on pace, and the course notebook containing all 50 lessons.

As soon as you’ve finished the first assignment, E-mail your work to your assignedMaster Craftsman mentor. All our mentors have been personally approved by Jerry Jenkins, based on their experience and expertise.

Within one week, your mentor will return your work to you with comments and suggestions, and often even a bit of the kind of editing you might expect from an editor. But don’t wait for that evaluation before beginning the next lesson, so you can keep up with your one-lesson-every-two-weeks pace.

Each lesson is designed to build upon what you’ve learned in previous lessons. And move you closer to realizing your dream of becoming a writer. Who knows? You may be one who begins selling and publishing by the time you’ve finished the Apprentice course and move up to Journeyman.

All of us at the Christian Writers Guild look forward to the day we can say, “We knew you when.”

A Tribute to Shirley Harkins by her Writing Friends

One of our contributors, Shirley Harkins, lost her battle with cancer today.

She wrote this about herself on her Caring Bridges site:

"I was admitted to the hospital on April 11th, 2008 complaining of excruciating pain in my back. At that time, my prognosis was "iffy" at best. At that time, the cancer was aggressive, spreading to my spine, pelvis, ribs, and liver. Thank God, He seems to have had other plans for my life. After months of chemo therapy, there no longer is evidence of cancer in my liver or pelvis. God is merciful and good.I continue to follow the suggestions of a nutritionist to support the more aggressive therapies, by strengthening my immune system and helping my body fight off the cancer cells. I also exercise doing water jogging and I exercise spiritual muscles and faith by regularly studying God's Word and extra biblical resources. Daily prayer and meditation is also a vital part of my protocol. I rely on the prayers of family and friends for support.
I have tremendous respect for all the professionals on "Team Shirley," but I rest my faith on the Great Physician, the one true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Because of His compassion, mercy, and love, and not due to any righteousness on my part, the cancer is succumbing to treatment. God is good! His results are always glorious and the Glory is forever His. Amen and amen."

Moonine Sue Watson's Thoughts About Shirley:

I first met Shirley on line when she joined our critique group. She was working on a book based on her experiences in the first platoon in the Women's Army Corp to participate in requiring the same level of training for women as the men. As I read her stories and met her personally, I grew to respect this courageous woman whose deep faith as she fought the battle of a lifetime deepened my own. If I had only heard her story of her Army days, I would have thought she was a unique woman I was proud to call friend. But to share her battle with her as the disease attacked her body was a spiritual journey that has changed me as a person. She loved the Wichita Mountains. We met at the chapel in the Holy City for prayer and devotions on a beautiful July day last summer. God was there with us. She and I split a huge buffalo burger at Meirs as well as a peach cobbler with homemade ice cream. We laughed and enjoyed each bite. Shortly after that, she lost the ability to eat solid foods. I miss her, but I know she's in Heaven, laughing and dancing with Jesus. Bless you, Shirley. I'm a better person for having known you.



The Day I Met Shirley Harkins

With love by

Janet K. Brown

Debra Calloway and I waited in Applebee’s in Wichita Falls, Texas for the newest member of our writing group to arrive. We’d only “talked” by e-mail. Our other member, Sue Watson, was unable to attend. Time ticked by. Shirley was late.
“How will we recognize her?” I asked.
Debra thought about our problem. “I wish we’d thought to get a cell phone number. Maybe she’s not coming.”

A dark headed lady walked in with a teenaged girl. No introduction was necessary. Shirley headed for our table, and we hugged in greeting. She always belonged.
Last Christmas, Shirley visited my house to critique, just she and I. “I worry you’ll be nice critiquing my work because I’m sick. I want the truth,” she said.

The truth is she was a great writer. I also remember her humor, her serious study of God’s word, her talent at drama, and her love for her family. Our circle at the writing table stands vacant, but God’s circle in heaven is more complete.


Steph Gallentine's thought on Shirley:

How do I sum up in one short post the impact someone had on your life? Shirley was an awesome encourager, a great writer, an honest critique partner, a wonderful friend, and my number one fan. :0)

The most memorable time we had was this summer when we all traveled to the Refuge, a place in the Oklahoma Mountains, where we had our July writer's meeting. Shirley had brought the DVD she had written and had gotten filmed and I had brought my newly published book, Refuge. Neither one of us had brought cash money so we couldn't purchase the other's item.

"I'll trade you a DVD for a book," I said.

She smiled and within moments, our barter was happy and successful.

Later, after we'd eaten lunch, we parted with Shirley and headed back home. Shirley kept waving for us to pull over. We all were worried because she had forgotten her medicine. Assuming she was sick, we pulled over, fully expecting to drive her back home. She got out of the car and met us at our car. "You forgot to sign my book." We all laughed for the longest time. She was so precious and I'm so thankful God brought her into my life.


Debra Calloway's Thoughts on Shirley:

I'll never forget two years ago when we first formed our local critique group, I began looking for new members. I saw Shirley's name pop up on the American Christian Fiction Writers loop as a new member. I was so excited and contacted her immediately since I knew she was nearby.

Instantly, there was a bond. We just clicked. She was so excited to meet our little group. It was some time before we had our first meeting with her. We met at a local restaurant and I was so worried I wouldn't know who she was and miss her, but that wasn't the case. We gravitated toward each other the second she walked in the building.

From the beginning of our friendship with Shirley, each of us has learned something new from one another. I will miss her terribly.