Writing Helps that Won't Break the Bank (Scribble Chicks)

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Let's face it. If you go into this writing profession expecting to become rich and famous you'll probably be sorely disappointed. Most writers keep their day jobs.

We usually can't go out and by the latest MacBook or expensive writing desk. But don't let this discourage you! There are so many cheap (or free) writing helps that can make the journey a little easier. Here are a few I've found:

1. Google Maps

I can't tell you how excited I was when editing my novel to realize I could actually see the street view of where I wanted to set my scenes. Not every street is available, but in major cities they are. In one scene, I had a character who traveled to the Albuquerque Greyhound bus stop. I looked it up on Google Maps and was actually able to see the Alvarado Transportation Center. This prompted me to research the place a little more and add some description I wouldn't have known to include otherwise. We're no longer limited if we can't travel to where our stories take place! http://maps.google.com/

Read the rest of my post over at the Scribble Chicks blog to learn 3 more of my favorite writing helps!

The 2009 Christian Writers Market Guide Is Here!

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For twenty-four years Sally E. Stuart has brought us the must-have reference book for Christian writers seeking to find a publisher of their work. I've been reading it for many years, and it's one of those books you might not use every day, but when you need it it's a huge help.

I'm always most interested to find out how the guide's changed from year to year. What's been added, subtracted, that sort of thing. This year Ms. Stuart starts her introduction thus: "The Christian publishing industry continues to change."

These words sum everything up perfectly. Nothing ever remains the same, especially in publishing. Just this year we've seen many, many magazines go under. Publishers have re-structured, often eliminating jobs.

But let's not let change discourage us. Because if there's no change we stay in a rut. Who wants to wallow in a rut? I see these changes as the way the industry is weeding out those who aren't serious. What remains will be those writers who are professional, serious about their craft, and determined not to give up---no matter what happens next.

So needless to say, with all the changes many entries in this guide are no longer up-to-date. That's it's one downside and something the author and publisher can't control. Let it be a reminder to always check and see if a particular editor is still at the periodical or house you're targeting. But with that said, there's essential info here. Publisher addresses, needs, whether they accept unagented authors, average first print runs, etc.

Some statistics about this year's guide:

• 1,000 markets for the written word
• 416 book publishers (33 new)
• 654 periodicals (52 new)
• 98 literary agents
• 121 new listings in the Resources for Writers (now exclusively on the CD included at the back of the book)

...and more! So if you have any inclination to publish in the Christian marketplace, pick up a copy of the 2009 Christian Writers Market today! Click here to purchase at Amazon.com.

New blog on the block -- Novel Matters

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Novel Matters is a new blog focusing on writing technique from seven fiction authors. It looks like it's going to be a great resource. Check it out here. And now, the bios of the authors:

Bonnie Grove is our Canadian author. Her debut novel Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook) will hit shelves June 1 2009 and available online a bit sooner. She is at work on her second novel which is about a woman framed for murder, coming spring 2010 by David C. Cook. You can find her at her web site and at the popular blog Fiction Matters . You can follow her on Twitter and check out her daily updates on Face Book. Her keyword is: mouthy.


Patti Hill is the author of Christy-finalist Like A Watered Garden, and two other books in the Garden Gate series, Always Green and In Every Flower (all published by Bethany House). Her newest is The Queen of Sleepy Eye (B&H Fiction), and she’s working now on something whimiscal, yet grounded. Huckleberry Finn happens to show up as a character. Hmm. Her keyword is: winsome (is this a surprise?) You can visit Patti at http://www.pattihillauthor.com/ or follow her twitterings at: http://twitter.com/PattiHill.

Kathleen Popa’s first book, To Dance in the Desert was followed by the just-released The Feast of St. Bertie (both published by David C. Cook). The novel she's working on now is titled Honey, Bea & Sky. Check in with her at her website or at her blog, Ever Mindful. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook . Her keyword is: quirky.


Latayne C. Scott is a nonfiction writer of 13 books turned to fiction. Her first novel, Latter-day Cipher (Moody) will be published in April. She’s working on another novel about the author of the book of Hebrews. Her keyword is: controversial. Her Web site is http://www.latayne.com/



Sharon K. Souza’s first book, A Heavenly Christmas in Hometown (which was also a adapted as a play) was followed by two novels published by NavPress in 2008: Every Good and Perfect Gift and Lying on Sunday. Her newest project is titled Unraveled. Her keyword is: optimist. You can visit her website and follow her on Twitter.


Debbie Fuller Thomas debuted her novel Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon (Moody Publishers) in June 2008. She's working on her second novel for Moody, Raising Rain, which will be available in September 2009. You can visit her website, and follow her on Twitter. Her keyword is: tenacious.



Jennifer Erin Valent is the sweet young thing talent among us. Her first novel, Fireflies in December, will be published by Tyndale House in January 2009. Currently, she is working on the sequel to Fireflies In December, tentatively titled Cottonwood Whispers. More information can be found at her website, http://www.jennifervalent.com/. Her keyword is: chatty

Great new resource - How to Find Your Story

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Character first novelists, this one's for you. You know who you are. You have no problem creating elaborate, interesting characters for your stories. But plot? That's another story. You always come up short in this department.

Let me point you toward a great new e-book by author, publisher and editor Jeff Gerke. It's called "How to Find Your Story". Says Jeff about the book:

This system begins with what you know--your amazing characters--and takes you step-by-step through the process of designing a dynamic plot that will keep readers up late tearing through your pages.

How To Find Your Story applies the three major components of plot and produces a storyline that portrays your characters in the perfect light, includes all the elements that make a story satisfying, and sends it all zinging forward with terrific suspense.

Right now the e-book is being offered for only $4.99, since it's still a beta product (Jeff needs some input from readers). To find out more or to purchase the book, click here.

Writing Resource: Random Name Generator

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Ever struggled to find the perfect name for your character? Struggle no more. The Random Name Generator is coming to the rescue!

Say I'm looking for a male name, not too obscure. With a push of a button I have these suggestions:

1. Allan Gately
2. Hugh Dignan
3. Allan Addy
4. Allan Sinner
5. Jamie Teer
6. Clinton Bonet
7. Javier Gallogly
8. Ted Vanwingerden
9. Jessie Hosler
10. Nelson Proehl

Allan Addy??? :)

Check it out here and have fun.

Help for Writers

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I've been a member of The Writer's View Yahoo group for quite some time. It's an invaluable group (thanks Barb Huff!), and I've learned so much. Why not take a moment today and see if the group is right for you? There are two of them, one for more advanced writers, the other for those just getting started. Here's a little more info:

If you're an aspiring writer and want to get a writers conference in your inbox, consider joining The Writer View. It's free. It's amazing. And, seriously, you'll learn everything you'd learn at a writer's conference (sans meeting cool people face to face), only you don't have to pay airfare.

How they work: Each Monday and Thursday a panelist poses a question about the publishing industry, the craft of writing, or anything related to the writing journey. These panelists are agents, editors, writers who are well known in the Christian writing industry. Then, panelists and members write posts about the question raised. I still learn new things every week. It's a moderated loop, so there's no blatant self promotion. Word counts are limited to 250 per post.

For beginning to intermediate writers, the group to join is TWV 2. Click here.

For advanced, published writers, join The Writers View. Click here.

You will be asked to fill out an application that you then send to the group's leadership. You'll receive an email letting you know whether you've been accepted.

Sue Brower (Advice for Novelists, Part 3)

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Our series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) continues again today with thoughts from Sue Brower.

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

Finish your novel! I often hear from novelists who have a complete marketing plan, list of endorsers, and brand strategy—but only three chapters of their novel completed. It is very difficult for an editor to evaluate your work if it’s not complete. What does a complete manuscript mean? First, it tells me that you can finish a book. Second, it tells me whether you know the mechanics of writing. Third, it tells me if you have the ability to flesh out the characters and keep my attention. Finish your novel! Anything else is a distraction.

--Sue Brower, Sr. Acquisitions Editor, Fiction & Inspiration, Zondervan

Don Pape (Advice for Novelists, Part 2)

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My 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?"

...continues today with Don Pape's advice:

Write for the pure passion and joy of it. Don't write so to give us the "next Left Behind" or to be another Beverly Lewis. Be original and creative - as the Creator is! Be disciplined. Too many writers want to kick out the next bestseller in a weekend. Get up each morning and spend an hour honing your craft. Find other writers that can be mentors and provide the "iron sharpening iron" in your life. Don't write to get published. A contract is the gravy. Write for the delight of putting to paper words.

--Don Pape, Publisher - Trade Books, David C. Cook

Charlene Patterson (Advice for Novelists, Part 1)

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I'm starting a series of blog posts here 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 I've asked Charlene Patterson, Fiction Acquisitions Editor at Bethany House Publishers.

Her response:

"First of all, write. Don't just talk about or think about or pray about writing. Write. Secondly, if you want to be published, do your homework. Can you imagine an aspiring optometrist showing up at Lens Crafters saying, "Yeah, I've been practicing in my house. Anybody need their eyes checked?" Read good books in your genre. Know what is selling in your market. Learn techniques for plot and dialogue and research and point of view. Take a class where your work is critiqued and you are given suggestions for improvement. Join up with a writers' group. Rewrite."

--Charlene Patterson, Fiction Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House Publishers

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES THAT'S CURRENTLY 85+ STRONG!

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008

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"The Essential Reference Tool for the Christian Writer"

The book's tagline says it all. I've been buying this guide for several years now, and it's one of those books that's worth buying every year. If only to see how vast the Christian publishing world has become.

This year we have over 1200 markets (43 new book publishers and 53 new periodicals). There are also 280 new entries to the Resources for Writers section.

For the second year in a row readers are also given the listings in a CD at the back of the book (in Word and Adobe Acrobat formats). This can be invaluable when researching publishers or magazines for your work as you can cut and past particular listings into a different document and then print at will.

Not much has changed this year in the Christian Writer's Market Guide, but that's a good thing. All writers who wish to write for this market should go out and buy themselves a copy. Just make sure you verify an editor's name with a publisher or periodical before sending a submission---many of these entries are already outdated due to the fast changeovers found in the publishing industry.

Also be sure to check out Sally's blog, where she gives up-to-date information on the markets. Click here.

3 Writing Tips

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I've been tagged by my good friend WordVixen to do a writing meme. The rules are simple (luckily!). You post three writing tips that you've learned along the way, and then nominate 5 more bloggers to take up the meme (which, by the way, is pronounced "meem"). Here goes:

1. Writers are made, not born.
I think a very common misconception among beginning writers is that they can sit down at their computer, bang out a manuscript, and then expect a publisher to pick them right up. This does happen, but rarely. Why would we think a writer's path is different from say a doctor's? If you want to be a doctor you can expect to spend at least 10 years learning and perfecting your craft. I think writers should expect the same. If it happens sooner, great. But go in expecting a ten year apprenticeship. You'll be less disappointed when the years pass and you're still banging away at your computer!

2. Read, read, read.
This tip makes it to many lists like this for a reason. I believe we can learn more by reading other novels (talking to fiction writers) than reading how-to books. We'll pick up more than we might imagine. We'll recognize the structure of a story, and what makes it compelling. It'll happen naturally if you read widely. You might not be able to name exactly why something works, but you'll have a gut feeling what does. That skill will be one to ride the river with.

3. Don't worry about your voice and branding too early.
This is something I've noticed a lot in beginning writers (and of course I'm still learning a ton myself). They focus less on their craft and more about their "voice" and how to brand themselves, than I personally think they should. Your voice will develop naturally the more you write, and why worry about branding when you have nothing to brand? Yes, I understand both of these things are important at some point in our writing careers, but if we focus on writing the best books we possibly can, we'll eventually get to the place where these things naturally fall into place.

I could go on and on with various tips I've learned, but I'll stop here and leave the rest for another day. :) Now ... who to tag? I'm going with Mike Dellosso, Katie Cushman, John Perrodin, Donna Fleisher, Darcie Gudger, and Creston Mapes.

========
The CFBA blog tour this week is for Marilynn Griffith's new novel Happily Ever After. Marriage. Motherhood. And a Monster-in-law. Interesting ... :)

How to Write a Novel Proposal

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First, let me say that I've discovered there really isn't just "one way" to write a fiction proposal. One writer's style might not work for everyone. When I was crafting the proposal for my novel Thicker Than Blood, I included these elements, all double-spaced:

• Three sentence logline ... think what you'd see on a movie poster.

• Brief synopsis (1 page) -- pretend you're writing the back-cover copy of a novel. Write this like that.

• Marketing considerations (1 page) -- compare your novel to what's already out there.

• Target audience (1 page) -- shows the editor you're thinking in marketing terms.

• About the author (1 page) -- if you don't have clips, that's okay. Are you a teacher and your main character is a teacher? Mention this.

• Series potential (1 page) -- shows the editor, again, you're thinking ahead and don't plan to be a one-book wonder.

• Full synopsis (6 pages) -- tell the whole story like you were talking to a friend. Don't leave out the ending!

Not all of the sections filled each page, but I separated them anyway.

Several books I recommend for writing a fiction proposal:

• Your Novel Proposal : From Creation to Contract by Blythe Camenson & Marshall J. Cook

• The Sell Your Novel Toolkit by Elizabeth Lyon

• The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposalsby Moira Allen

Also, Terry Whalin's Book Proposals That Sell, though geared for nonfiction, will teach you how to think like an editor.

More Resources:

• Randy Ingermanson has an example of a successful fiction proposal on his website in .pdf format. It was the one he and John Olsen used for Oxygen, which was later published by Bethany House. Click here.

• Also, literary agent Chip MacGregor has an example on his website (also .pdf) of Sandra Glahn's novel Informed Consent. Click here.

• Literary agent Rachelle Gardner has a great post on her blog describing the details as well. Click here.

Authors, editors, agents ... what do you say?

How much do you spend on your writing?

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On a writing e-mail group I belong to, the discussion on writing expenses was recently covered. What's been the most valuable investment in your writing career so far? Many of the participants mentioned writing conferences. Certainly a valuable experience for some, but at hundreds of dollars a pop, they can add up.

Over the years I haven't had many major writing expenses. But what I HAVE spent my money on to further my career is ... books. Writing how-to books, research titles, and novels (this is vital to any fiction writer). These tomes have proven to be my most valuable investment. A great way to buy these books is through the Writer's Digest Book Club. I was recently surprised to realize I've been a member for almost ten years!

Second, I've been a subscriber to Writer's Digest & The Writer magazine for nearly a decade. These may not seem like huge investments, and that's what's great. They aren't.

I'd like to offer some encouragement today to those whose budgets are slim: It IS possible to succeed as a writer without going to a writer's conference (though I certainly am not debunking going when the time is right for you). But that's the key. Make sure the time is right for YOU. It's very easy to feel pressured to do things you're not ready for. Listen to your heart, and if you're a Christian writer like me, trust that the Lord will show you exactly what you're supposed to be doing (and investing in) at this point of your career. Sometimes the right thing for you is completely opposite from what everyone says.

How many words should your novel be?

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If you're like me, you've probably wondered how long your novel should be--by word count. Publisher's guidelines vary a lot, but here's a list I've compiled of the word count for some popular Christian novels. They're listed by publisher in alphabetical order, and I plan to add to this list.

AMG
Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 105K
The Candlestone by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 110K
Circles of Seven by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 120K
Tears of a Dragon by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 103K
Eye of the Oracle by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 182K
Enoch's Ghost by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 121K
Last of the Nephilim by Bryan Davis (YA fantasy): 131K

Barbour Trade fiction:
Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney (novella): 30K
Bygones by Kim Sawyer (women’s fiction): 80K
Beginnings by Kim Sawyer (women’s fiction): 80K
The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall (historical): 112K
The Reliance by MaryLu Tyndall (historical): 115K
Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy (historical): 92K

Bethany House
The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (mom lit): 85K
Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (mom lit): 85K
Waiting for Summer’s Return by Kim Sawyer (historical): 92K
Where Willows Grow by Kim Sawyer (historical): 92K
Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson (historical): 102K
Sutter's Cross by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 112K
Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 104K
Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 109K
Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer (contemporary): 97K

Cook:
Crime Scene Jerusalem by Alton Gansky (suspense/historical): 83K
Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky (historical): 82.5K

Crossway:
In Honor Bound by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 105K
By Love Redeemed by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 87K
To Grace Surrendered by DeAnna Dodson (historical): 92K

FaithWords:
Abiding Darkness by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 108K

Wedgewood Grey by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 102K

And If I Die by John Aubrey Anderson (suspense) 102K

Harvest House:

Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell (chick lit): 100K

Something Beyond the Sky by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 98K

The Cubicle Next Door by Siri L. Mitchell (chick lit): 98K

Moon Over Tokyo by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 88K

The Guy I’m Not Dating by Trish Perry (chick lit): 95K
Too Good to Be True by Trish Perry (chick lit): 95K
The Lost Sheep by Brandt Dodson (crime): 77K
The Root of All Evil by Brandt Dodson (crime): 75K
After Anne by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 145K
Becoming Olivia by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 134K
The Secret of Us by Roxanne Henke (contemporary): 124K

Heartsong (includes several imprints):
Spinning out of Control by Vickie McDonough (romance): 45-50K
The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough: 45-50K
Dear John, That Wilder Boy by Kim Sawyer (romance): 45-50K
Promising Angela by Kim Sawyer (romance): 45-50K
Of Mice ... and Murder by Mary Connealy (mystery): 58K
Golden Days by Mary Connealy (historical): 48K

Howard:
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney (women’s fiction): 85K
Shoofly Pie by Tim Downs (mystery): 97K
Chop Shop by Tim Downs (mystery): 93.5K

Kregel:
Sincerely, Mayla by Virginia Smith (Mar. '08) (contemporary): 80K
Just As I Am by Virginia Smith (contemporary): 62K
Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang: 118K
Remember Me by Maureen Lang: 118K

Moody:
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay (contemporary): 107K
A Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer (historical): 88K
A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer (historical): 93K

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer (historical): 90K

Multnomah:
Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 91K
Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 92K
Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 98K
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn (mystery): 70-80K
When the Day of Evil Comes by Melanie Wells (suspense): 80-90K
Soul Hunter by Melanie Wells (suspense): 80-90K
Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace (romantic suspense): 93K
Dark Star by Creston Mapes (suspense): 107K
Full Tilt by Creston Mapes (suspense): 97.5K
Nobody by Creston Mapes (suspense): 98K

Navpress:
Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh (chick lit): 101K
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell (women's fiction): 106K
The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones (YA) (2008): 100K
On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones (YA): 96K
In Between by Jenny B. Jones (YA): 85K
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (fantasy): 110K
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth (coming of age): 84K
Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth (coming of age): 81K

Realms:
Angel by Alton Gansky (suspense/supernatural): 89K

Revell:
Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (Feb. '08) (contemporary): 82K
The Pawn by Steven James (mystery): 111K
The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (mystery): 54K
Pink by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 90K
Jade by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K
Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K
Turquoise by Marilynn Griffith (chick-lit): 80K

Steeple Hill:
The Winter Pearl by Molly Noble Bull: 93K
Murder by Mushroom by Virginia Smith (cozy mystery): 60K
Bluegrass Peril by Virginia Smith (Dec. '07): 60K
A Vow to Cherish by Deborah Raney (contemporary): 80K
Wild Rose by Ruth Axtell Morren: 100K
The Healing Season by Ruth Axtell Morren: 100K
The Elevator by Angela Hunt (contemporary): 82K

Tsaba House:
Sanctuary by Molly Noble Bull: 85K

Thomas Nelson:
The Oath by Frank Peretti (horror/suspense): 165K
The Visitation by Frank Peretti (suspense): 163K
Monster by Frank Peretti (suspense/adventure): 108K
House by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker (thriller): 80K
Seclusion Point by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
Demon's Bluff by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
The Tattooed Rats by John Perrodin & Jerry Jenkins (YA): 50K
Abomination by Colleen Coble (suspense): 107K
Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson (contemporary): 70K
Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck (chick-lit): 84-88K
Calm, Cool & Adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck (chick-lit): 84-88K
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 145K
Germ by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 138K
Deadfall by Robert Liparulo (thriller): 125K
Uncharted by Angela Hunt (supernatural/suspense): 96K
Plague Maker by Tim Downs (suspense): 119K
Head Game by Tim Downs (thriller): 92K
First the Dead by Tim Downs (Dec. '07): 107K

Tyndale:
Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins (contemporary): 160K
Left Behind by Jerry B. Jenkins (end times): 100K
Tribulation Force by Jerry B. Jenkins (end times): 102K
The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang (contemporary): 100K
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang ('08): 100K
Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt (contemporary): 104K
She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt ('08) (contemporary): 110K

Urban Books
My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis (95K)

Waterbrook:
A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney (women’s fiction): 120K
Dark to Mortal Eyes by Eric Wilson (suspense): 125K
Expiration Date by Eric Wilson (suspense): 115K
The Best of Evil by Eric Wilson (mystery): 85K
A Shred of Truth by Eric Wilson (mystery): 85K

Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 158k

Fair Is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 152k

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 182k

Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs (historical): 140k

Zondervan:
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (YA suspense): 108K
Zero-G by Alton Gansky (suspense/sci-fi): 99K
Finder's Fee by Alton Gansky (suspense): 87K
Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins (suspense) ('08): 75-80K
Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Dead of Night by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Stain of Guilt by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Brink of Death by Brandilyn Collins (suspense): 75-80K
Wounded Healer by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 85K
Warrior’s Heart by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 87K
Valiant Hope by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 95K
Standing Strong by Donna Fleisher (contemporary): 92K
Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell (legal thriller): 90-95K
No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell (legal thriller): 90-95K
Last Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 90K
Night Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 97K
True Light by Terri Blackstock (suspense): 80K
Fair Game by Elizabeth White (contemporary/romance): 97K
Off the Record by Elizabeth White (contemporary): 88K

Thinking blog award

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My friend WordVixen has tagged me for a Thinking Blog Award. Thank you WordVixen!


The 5 blogs that make me think are:

Charis Connection - a wonderful blog where several published authors share five days a week inspiring and informative writing advice, specifically for the Christian writer (though all can benefit, really).

The Writing Life - W. Terry Whalin's blog on writing is a wonderful resource for all writers. As a writer who's been an editor and is now a literary agent, Terry always has something interesting to share.

Keep Me In Suspense - With articles specifically for suspense writers, I've found great tidbits here on police work, lawyers, and more.

Novel Journey - Every day a new author interview is posted, and the weekends have devotionals and book news. I've been following this blog from its beginnings.

My Writing Mentor - This blog is really just what it's title suggests: a place where writers can be mentored and ask those burning questions we all have! Very encouraging.

I could share more, but I'm supposed to keep it to five. Enjoy!