Benjamin Disraeli Quote

Next to knowing when to seize an opportunity, the most important thing in life is to know when to forgo an advantage. 

~Benjamin Disraeli

How to Write Better Characterization?

I love shopping. No, that's not true. I love finding bargains.

About six years ago I bought College Boy a new shirt for Easter. My mother-in-law had given me the money and insisted I get him "something nice from Dillard's." So I did. His response? 

"I can't wear a shirt that cost $40! I'll have to spend all my time telling my friends, 'Don't touch The Shirt.'"

It's not as if he had never worn a shirt that cost $40 before. He had. He'd just never seen the price tag. Needless to say, I trudged him to the mall. While we were returning his too-expensive-for-him-to-wear shirt, I noticed Dillard's was having an Take an additional 50% off anything already 70% off already. How had I missed that sign earlier in the day? I hadn't planned on buying a new outfit for Easter for me, but who can resist a sale? In the end, I bought an $89 skirt for $11.75 and a $68 sweater for $5.00.

Sometimes we're too focused on one thing in our writing that we don't keep one part of our brain on the lookout for a new insight into a major, or minor, character.

While working on Unsold Manuscript, I realized my heroine's aunt was a flat character. The only external detail about her was she wore a gray dress. (Her dialogue, though, does show her personality and emotion.) Why wear gray? Oh, she's a widow. Well, duh. But let's take it a step further, why is it so important to her to wear grey?

Her answer? To bring out the gray in her chestnut hair. Now that's an odd reason. What woman in her right mind would intentionally want to draw attention to the few strands of gray in her hair? At 40, she, conceiveably, marry again and have a child or two. So I decided to chase the rabbit a bit.

What if she had an admirer. What if he weekly sent her a letter expressing his love and proposing marriage. How would Aunt respond? Read the letter then discard it. Now if she hadn't felt at least something for the man, she wouldn't read the letters. Yet, she did read them and never responded. Still the man continued to pursue.

As you add layers of characterization and introspection to a story, look for hidden treasures. It always pays to keep an eye out for something different, new, fresh, and . . . well, cheap.

What obscure fact have you ever written (or read) and it added a surprising oomph to a character?

Should I Go to a Plastic Surgeon?

I paid a visit to the plastic surgeon. Out of necessity.

College Boy burned his calf. He was in 8th grade at the time. Two days before his birthday, he decided to ride a motor bike . . . and conveniently forgot to ask how to make it stop going forward. He improvised by using a fence. Thus to Minor Care. Thus thus (after a referral) to the plastic surgeon. The whole time the doc was explaining care and possible worst-case-scenarios of the wound, I couldn't stop wondering if he was evaluating my potential to be his next patient. It's a rather creepy feeling. Plus he looked like an older, shorter Tony Romo, and then I couldn't stop wondering if he'd had plastic surgery done.

Good news: College Boy did not have to have a skin graft. 

Bad news: He hadn't been cleaning the burn well enough each time he replaced the bandages, so I had to check the wound. Blech. If I'd wanted to be a nurse, I'd have gone to nursing school.

Sometimes we have to deal with unpleasantness.

Good news: Kids grow up.

Bad news: Every year somewhere in the United States a tornado destroys homes and kills people, and causes all sorts of unpleasantness. And if it's not a tornado, it's flood. Or a hurricane. Or a fire. Or a man-caused disaster. Or Black Friday. No matter the unpleasantness . . .

God is still God.

God is still good.

We're just living in light of eternity.

Disappointed by My Favorite Author

In my stack of library books was a couple newer fiction releases, one from a best-selling, award-winning romance author. The novel was book five in a series.

In the novel (maybe 45K words), the author used the points of view (POVs) of the heroines in the four previous books in the series. The first chapter was completely written in omniscient POV because all four previous heroines are in the scene. Did the author not want to settle on a POV in the scene so the readers wouldn't assume the main character was one of them?

Next chapter/next scene was in the heroine's POV. Next chapter/scene was the hero's. As the story progressed, between the two lead characters' POV, the author interjected the POV of one of the four previous novel heroines. Since I hadn't read the other books in that series, I didn't care about these women and their woes. My guess is the reader who has enjoyed another glimpse into the live of the heroine she came to love.

If that wasn't distracting enough, far too many times the author stopped the present-moment action of the scene to explain something to the reader. Examples include what happened in previous novels, information about the lead character's past, or what the character was going to do the next day. Poor quality of writing. Yet it was published . . . and it sold.

Do your standards as a consumer lower after a "product" becomes your favorite?

I bet you are like me and have said something like: 

"Yes, this  isn't the best _____ that _______ has written/produced/made/built/released/sold, but _______ is still my favorite ______."

Why do we do that?

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 3)

During the last two weeks we talked about . . . 

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up. 

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds.  

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. So far we talked about being spiritually self-disciplined and being ready for war because spiritual attacks will come.

3. Be able to handle rejection!

The hard and fast truth is not everyone will be receptive to your story--the testimony of what God has done in your life. (Maybe even the book you wrote.)

That someone rejects the story you've told doesn't make you a failure. Paul and Barnabas faced this big time on their missionary journeys. When they were rejected, they "with joy" went on to someone else. How could they have joy in the midst of the rejection? 

• Because they were obedient to God. 
• Because every time they told their story, they RE-LIVED their experience. 
• Because they knew somewhere out there was someone else just waiting to hear their story.

As Jesus-followers, we are called to tell our story how God changed us . . . how He gave us joy amid the despair . . . and how He turned our sorrow into gladness. Too many times we fall into the stinkin' thinkin' that being a Christian is an easy life. It's not. God never planned it to or He would have zapped us up to Heaven the moment of salvation.

There's a line in The Princess Diaries when Joe the Bodyguard tells Mia: 

"No no has the power to make you feel inferior 

without your permission."

Remove "inferior" and substituted any other emotion you are feeling.

Whatever our goal, we need to re-adjust our expectations while continuing to give our best efforts. Because only when we re-adjust our expectations will we begin to gain victory over Discouragement.

Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame. ~1 Peter 3:15 (the Voice)

Albert Einstein Quote

"God Almighty does not throw dice." 

~Albert Einstein

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 2)

Last week we talked about . . . 

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up. 

Shackleton's adventurers

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds.  

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. Last week we talked about being spiritually self-disciplined.

2. Be ready for war--spiritual attacks will come!

Scripture says you will know them by their fruit. 

We tend to view that into recognizing a Believer. If you're a Christian, then the Fruits of the Spirit will be evident in your life. But that biblical truth goes beyond the common assumption.

If you're oozing discouragement, anger, resentment, jealousy, despair, etc, then, hear me now, those aren't from God. And it time to quit blaming the hormones. Those negative, critical thoughts in your head aren't yours and certainly aren't from the Holy Spirit. It's time to take a stand against them. Choose to quit living in the "Oh, woe is me" muck.

Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 1)

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up.

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton CVO OBE, (15 February 1874 – 5 January 1922) was an Anglo-Irish explorer who was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. His first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds. Determined to make amends for this perceived personal failure, he returned to Antarctica in 1907 as leader of the Nimrod Expedition. In January 1909 he and three companions made a southern march which established a record Farthest South latitude at 88°23'S, 97 geographical miles (114 statute miles, 190 km) from the South Pole, by far the closest convergence in exploration history up to that time. For this achievement, Shackleton was knighted by King Edward VII on his return home. (source: Wikipedia)

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. What can we learn from them?

1. Be spiritually self-disciplined!

In Acts 13:1-3, worship, fasting, and prayer preceded the "going." 

Yet how many times do we get to "going," only to stop and pray, worship, or even fast when the going gets tough? Seek God first, then consider your needs.

Bertha Smith was a missionary to China for 40 years. Prior to going, she had a overwhelming yearing to get married and have children. Then one day she took her eyes off her own "need" and focused on God. She got to the point where she told God, "I want to enter into an agreement with You..."  What did she agree? That she would have a love in her heart for the people of China as if they were her own flesh and blood. They would be the children she longed so desperately for.

Are we spending more time regurgitating what someone has taught us about Jesus . . . or learning directly about Jesus ourselves? When was the last time we had a fresh revelation from God? When was the last time God brought you to the point of a spiritual/emotional/mental change?

Worst or Best Excuse

“Sorry, I don’t have my receipt. My 9-month-old ate it.”

Oh yes, the customer service chick (actually she was more of a hen) believed me, but why wouldn’t she? I didn’t lie. My child really ate the receipt for the lightbulbs I was returning. Well, she ate half of it before I reminded her that paper is not one of the seven major food groups.

What's the worst/best viable excuse you've ever used? Did it work? 

Why Visit Detroit Michigan?

Detroit Skyline

The only mission trip I've ever gone on was one to Detroit, Michigan. Our church's youth group did neighborhood surveys for a local church. They also held sports camps in the afternoon, did concerts in the evening, and after dinner, passed out 9V batteries to be used to replace the old ones in smoke detectors. My "mission" was to feed our 3-month-old, watch the 4-year-old, and occasionally wash dinner dishes. 

On the last night there, hubby loaded up the students and our four-too-young-for-youth-group-children and took us all to a spot in downtown Detroit where we could see Canada across the river. Would you believe Canada looks very much like the US?

Bridge and View from Detroit to Canada

From there, we drove to some outlet mall in Northern Detroit. All 66 members of our group sat down for dinner in the Rainforest Cafe. Cool place. Really really nice manager. Our waiter was nice too. And that came in handy when I waved my hand to show Middle Child where his drink was and ended up hitting the cup of steamy hot marinara. Hand burn. 

Nice Waiter kindly brought out some burn cream and a huge band-aid. Since my right hand ached, I had to eat my dinner with my left hand. Not an easy task.

The Adorable Three-Year-Old decided she wanted to eat one of her daddy's shrimp skewers. I didn't know she liked coconut shrimp, but she did. (Back then she liked what everyone else was eating . . . except salad, which she called "leaves.") I decided to adjust her shrimp so she wouldn't eat the tail and ended up sticking the skewer into my finger. Once again, we appealed to Nice Waiter for a band-aid.

I left the restaurant with a throbbing right hand and a throbbing left pointer finger.

Ever had an experience forever turn you off to something?

Pantser? Plotter? Sometime else?

QUESTION FROM A READER: So do you layer as you write or do you wait until you finish your first draft and go back and layer? Just curious...

I understand how some writers just write a first draft without thinking too much about what actually falls out on the page. I can't. 

I layer as I go. When I begin the day's writing, I generally read the previous scene, or chapter, to get a feel for the mood and the characters. Then I tackle the new scene. Writing with an Alpha Smart where I couldn't go back and edit as I go . . . oh dear, that sound torturous to me. 

How do you write? Have you tried other ways?

Inspirational Mystery & Suspense June 2014 New Releases

BLIND TRUST by Sandra Orchard

mystery

Baker Publishing / Revell

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation-and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world-and her budding romance with Tom-begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom? 

MOON OVER MAALAEA BAY by H. L. Wegley

romantic suspense

Pelican / White Rose Publishing

They expected the honeymoon of their dreams. What they got was a nightmare wrapped in revenge and kidnapping. 

SKY ZONE by Creston Mapes 

suspense

David C. Cook

Jack Crittendon is expecting a mindless night on the job at Festival Arena, but when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack is thrust into a life-or-death battle to save himself-and the lives of thousands of innocent people. 

The Midpoint and Story Bones by Mary L. Mercer

THE MIDPOINT: HOW TO WRITE THE CENTRAL TURNING POINT WITH EMOTION, TENSION, & DEPTH by Mary L. Mercer released this week and is already in the Paid Top Ten in one of its categories! Currently Amazon has both it and STORY BONES available as FREE ebooks right now for their Prime Members (must be signed in for $0.00 to show). So grab it while it's hot!

Here's the blurb--

Craft an emotionally charged story that keeps readers turning pages.

Have you ever started writing a story, feeling full of inspiration and enthusiasm, only to lose direction somewhere in the middle? Grab hold of a bright lifeline for writers trekking across their novel's swampy middle. Much more than a "plot point" to energize pacing, the Midpoint is the central nervous system controlling the entire story. Mastering the Midpoint helps writers survive and thrive in the Everglades of the middle. Rediscover the spark in your story by learning how to--

• Design a Midpoint with depth by crafting realistic, multi-dimensional character flaws that resonate emotionally with readers.

• Strategically position the Midpoint at the apex of a simple four-step story structure that reflects realistic human self-improvement.

• Connect the three key events (the Midpoint is one of them!) in every story that are absolutely vital to creating escalating tension.

• Translate the eight essential functions of the Midpoint into specific beats and scenes reflecting your unique creative vision.

• Apply three quick and easy "tools" to craft Midpoints with maximum dramatic impact.

Ignite your creativity while enjoying dozens of examples from novels, television, and movies. Fantasy, inspirational, mystery, science fiction, western, young adult, romantic suspense, and contemporary/historical romance—every genre contributes valuable insights.

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-L.-Mercer/e/B00JFFAQ46

2014 ACFW Carol Finalists

Debut Novel:

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Natalie Hanemann

Jasmine by April McGowan, WhiteFire Publishing, editor Roseanna White

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanneman, L.B. Norton

Contemporary:

The Language of Sparrows by Rachel Phifer, David C. Cook, editor Tonya Osterhouse

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanneman, L.B. Norton

The Dance by Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

Historical:

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell, David C. Cook, editors Ingrid Beck, John Blase

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Philpott, Julee Schwarzburg, Jodi Hughes

Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate by Diana Wallis Taylor, Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Lonnie Hull Dupont

Historical Romance:

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Dave Long

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky, Waterbrook Multnomah (Random House), editors Shannon Marchese, Karen Ball

MST:

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Dave Lambert, Sue Brower, Ellen Tarver

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins, B&H Publishing, editors Karen Ball, Julie Gwinn

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes, David C. Cook, editors L.B. Norton, Jack Campbell

Novella:

An Ever After Summer from A Bride for all Seasons by Debra Clopton, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Ami McConnell

Love by the Letter by Melissa Jagears, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

A Christmas Prayer by Linda Wood Rondeau, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Amberlynn Noelle

Romance: 

Silver Bells by Deborah Raney, Summerside Press (Guideposts), editor Rachel Meisel

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Jessica Wong

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Sarah Long, Charlene Patterson

Romantic Suspense:

Trapped by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

Vanished by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink, River North (Moody Publishers), editor Deb Keiser

Short Novel:

Seaside Blessings by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

The Doctor's Family Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

Mending the Doctor's Heart by Tina Radcliffe, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Rachel Burkot

Speculative:

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer

The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer

The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Natalie Hanemann, Lisa Bergren

Young Adult:

A Simple Song by Melody Carlson, Revell – A Divison of Baker Publishing Group, editors Lonnie Hull Dupont, Wendy Wetzel

Captives by Jill Williamson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jacque Alberta, Jeff Gerke

Project Gemini by Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press, editor Jeff Gerke

Inspirational Contemporary and Historical Women's Fiction June 2014 New Releases

ALL RIGHT HERE by Carre Armstrong Gardner

Tyndale House

Ivy Darling can’t have children of her own, and her husband Nick’s resentment is forcing them apart. And while Ivy has the support and love of her large, close-knit family, Nick’s family has never welcomed her into the fold. When the three children next door are abandoned by their mother, Ivy and Nick take them in for the night. One night becomes several, and suddenly Ivy and Nick find themselves foster parents to the only African-American kids in the town of Copper Cove, Maine. As Ivy grows more attached to the children, Nick refuses to accept their eclectic household as a permanent family. Just as Ivy begins to question whether or not she wants to save her emotionally empty marriage, Nick begins to discover how much Ivy and the children mean to him. But is his change of heart too little, too late? 

A WOMAN OF FORTUNE by Kellie Coates Gilbert 

Baker Publishing/ Revell

Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family–and discover a life worth living.

THE CAT LADY’S SECRET by Linda W. Yezak 

Pelican / Harbourlight Books

Emily Taylor loves to help people, loves to ease their burdens and make their dreams come true. But when a conman ruins her reputation, she discovers that helping others is safer and easier from behind the scenes. When one of Emily’s gifts captures the attention of an avid journalist, her identity as the town’s anonymous benefactor-and her renewed relationship with her high school sweetheart-are threatened. As her private life begins to unravel, she realizes the one hope for regaining control lies behind prison walls.

YANKEE IN ATLANTA by Jocelyn Green 

Moody Publishers / River North

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin’s only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who enlists with the Rebel army. Though starvation rules, and Sherman’s troops edge closer to Atlanta, rages, she will not run again. Will honor dictate that Caitlin and Noah follow the rules, or love demand that they break them? 

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Linda S. Glaz: GIVEAWAY? All Right!

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Wild Sound Writing Festival

DEADLINE June 25th - 1st CHAPTER/FULL NOVEL Festival Contest
http://www.wildsound.ca/book_contest.html

DEADLINE June 25th - SHORT STORY Contest
http://www.wildsound.ca/short_story_contest.html

Get your story performed at the Writing Festival. FULL FEEDBACK on all 
entries.

SUMMER Special SAVE $10 to $50 off regular submission - Get FULL 
FEEDBACK on your novel from story editors and professional authors. Get 
it performed by professional actors and showcased for 1000s to see.

Watch the videos of the past winners. Hope to see you submit.
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

WATCH the Recent Winning Short Story/1st Chapter Readings:
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/novel_and_short_story_readings.html

Tea and a Good Book: Ten Things with Author Mary Ellis--and a Giveaway!...

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Welcome to Mary Ellis!   Mary grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farm...