What I've Read in the Past Two Years

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Had a little fun on Goodreads.com today looking back at the books I've read in the past two years. They have a unique feature that allows you to see what you've read by book covers. I put together the three pages that constitute the past two years of my reading. What a colorful bunch of books! I might not read as much as some, but I've had fun reading what I have.

 

Writing From The Gut

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I shared this post recently over at the Scribble Chicks blog, and I thought you all might like to read it too:

Most writers think about their stories and characters at all hours of the day. We'll be in the shower and a scene idea will pop into our head (and we'll scramble to write it down on the wall with a bar of soap). We'll be making dinner and a snappy line of dialogue will appear out of nowhere. This is especially true if you're brainstorming for ideas of what to write.

After I wrote my first novel Thicker than Blood, I really struggled with what to write next. Should I write a sequel or something new? I bought a little notebook at Barnes and Noble, called it my Novel Notebook, and started jotting down ideas. Early on in the book I made myself answer the question, "What I really want to write about is ____". I got the idea from James Scott Bell in his book Plot & Structure, and I figured if it worked for him, then I could give it a try.

Weeks passed. I kept writing in that idea book. I asked myself the question, "What I really want to write about is ____" again. I had an answer, but I still didn't know if it should be a book. I had so many different snippets of ideas, but I kept shooting them down. I was floundering and miserable.

But that's not really the point of this post. :) Fast forward several months, even a year. I eventually decided on an idea and started writing my second novel. Then one day I finished it and happened to go back to that original idea notebook just for fun. I discovered something that shocked me. Every one of those responses to the "What I really want to write about" question I had incorporated into the novel . . . unconsciously.

Or maybe not.

There often comes a point in our writing when we have enough information (even if it doesn't feel like it), and the breakthrough will come when we sit down and write. You know more than you think you know about your story. Why not try the unfettered approach today? Just write. Trust your instincts. I bet what you really want to write about will come through.

Evolution Of A Novel

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When I finished my second novel I knew I immediately wanted to start writing my third. Problem was, I didn't know what to write.

This series of blog posts will take you along on my journey to write that third book. Maybe it'll demystify some of the writer stereotypes, maybe it'll reinforce them! And who knows? You just might have the chance to influence the outcome of the novel or name a character!

If someone were to ask me, "How do you write a novel?" I don't know what I'd answer. I'm still discovering how it all works. But I hope this series will help me understand my process better, too.

Before we start, let me ask you: What would you like to see covered in this series?

We won't have posts every day, but as something new crops up, I'll blog about it. I already have some interesting tidbits to pass along. Stay tuned! The Evolution of a Novel begins...

Chip MacGregor's Advice for Aspiring Novelists

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Over at his blog, literary agent Chip MacGregor answers the question:

"As a first-time novelist, what advice can you give me to create a great, page-turning novel?"

Here's how he begins his response:

Dialogue and action. That won't necessarily make for the deepest, or most thoughtful, or the most life-changing sort of book, but it will make your book a page-turner. A high sense of drama is necessary, of course. So is telling an interesting story at a brisk pace. (Whoever read a slow, rambling thriller?) Unresolved conflicts help. So do plot twists, and fascinating characters, or characters I like who are placed in tense situations. But if you stick to dialogue and action, you'll make your book more of a page-turner.

Read the rest of his response here. Good stuff.

Book Buzz Meme - I've been tagged!

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I've been tagged twice to play this fun book meme! First by Mimi Pearson, second by Rel Mollet. Two wonderful ladies with wonderful blogs/websites, btw. So, here goes:

HOW IT WORKS:

Mimi and Rel have listed five of their MUST Read novels and five "Keep Your Eyes on These" novels. Then they tagged five bloggers who they asked to post the list on their site. They added one book to each list but also subtracted one book. Finally they tagged five other bloggers, linked here at A Christian Worldview of Fiction, and commented to the post so visitors knew how the list had changed. I'm using Mimi's list since she tagged me first. :) I've also put my added book in italics.

If you aren’t tagged but want to play, copy the 'how to' paragraph above, make your own list of MUST Reads and Keep Your Eyes on These, and tag away. It will be fun to see if we can generate some book wars … uh, I mean, discussions … good, healthy, respectful discussions!

My five MUST Reads:

The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (Revell)
Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress)*
Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer (WaterBrook)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)*
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (Zondervan)

My five Keep Your Eyes On These:

Feeling for Bones by Bethany Pierce (Moody)
Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook)
DragonLight by Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Press)*
The Legend of the FireFish by George Bryan Polivka (Harvest House)

FIVE BOOKS TO LOOK FOR SOON:

The Rivers Run Dry by Sibella Giorello (Thomas Nelson)
Shade by John Olson (B&H)
Field of Blood by Eric Wilson (Thomas Nelson)
Conspiracy in Kiev by Noel Hynd (Zondervan)
Stepping into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck (Bethany)

I'm tagging:

Darcie Gudger at Joy in the Litterbox
WordVixen at Quest to Write
Katie Hart at Writing Christian Novels
Heather Hunt at The View From Stonewater
Jenny B. Jones at her website blog

2008 Christy Award Winners!

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I'm cross-posting this from the TitleTrakk.com Book News blog:

Last night the winners of the 2008 Christy Awards were announced! Every year publishers are invited to submit novels written from a Christian worldview and copyrighted in the year preceding the awards. Each novel is entered in one of several genre categories and/or the first novel category. Each category of novels is then read and evaluated against a ten-point criteria by a panel of seven judges composed of librarians, reviewers, academicians, literary critics, and other qualified readers, none of whom have a direct affiliation with a publishing company.

Without any further ado, here are the winners:

CONTEMPORARY STAND-ALONE:
Chasing Fireflies
by Charles Martin
Thomas Nelson

Read our review of the novel here.


CONTEMPORARY SERIES:

Home to Holly Springs
by Jan Karon
Viking/Penguin



HISTORICAL
A Proper Pursuit
by Lynn Austin
Bethany House

Read our review of the novel here.


ROMANCE
Remembered
by Tamara Alexander
Bethany House




LITS:
Hallie's Heart
by Shelly Beach
Kregel

Read our review of the novel here.


SUSPENSE:

The Cure
by Athol Dickson
Bethany House

Read our review of the novel here.

VISIONARY:
Scarlet
by Stephen R. Lawhead
Thomas Nelson

Read our review of the novel here.


YOUNG ADULT:
Hollywood Nobody
by Lisa Samson
Navpress

Read our review of the novel here.


FIRST NOVEL:
The Stones Cry Out
by Sibella Giorello
Revell

Read our review of the novel here.

Is that a classic in your inbox?

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I was reading my latest issue of The Writer magazine, and I came across a blurb on the site DailyLit.com. Basically, the site serializes various novels into daily e-mails. The cool part is that many of them are free! Some of the more current offerings do cost a small fee, but they have to make their money somehow, right? :)

Here's a little snippet from their "About" page:

We created DailyLit because we spent hours each day on email but could not find the time to read a book. Now the books come to us by email. Problem solved.

Check it out here. Maybe tomorrow Dickens or Tolstoy or Austen will be waiting in your Inbox.

Andy McGuire (Advice for Novelists, Part 9)

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Here's the next installment of our series in which editors, agents, publicists and authors answer the question:

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

Surprise me. Think of an opening line that sounds like nothing you've heard before. Then follow that up with another. Then the next one. And the next. Come up with unique ways to introduce characters and plot elements. Find fresh metaphors and new insights. Avoid everything that

sounds like you've heard it before. If your manuscript continues to surprise me, I'll continue to read it. Guaranteed. Novels are a reader's way of vacationing in someone else's mind for awhile. If it feels familiar, what's the point?

Practice being creative. It's not easy, but it can be done. Daydream about outlandish things. Look at something familiar and try to come up with a bizarre metaphor to describe it. Forget the mechanics of writing for awhile and try to concentrate on saying new things in new ways.

--Andy McGuire, Fiction Acquisitions Editor, Moody Publishers

Mick Silva (Advice for Writers, Part 8)

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Our series continues again! This time Mick Silva shares his answer to the question:

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

Just one thing, really?

I'm an editor at WaterBrook, but in my free time, I'm an unpublished

novelist.

So I've developed these 3 steps to writing fiction that I call my "formula" and interestingly, all of them essentially come down to one thing. Masochistic devotion. I don't know how universal this is-and it's certainly not natural. But I'm a little weird, which doesn't hurt in this profession. And while it's taken me a while to hammer out the 3 steps, something like 8 years, maybe 9, I've never seen anything like this in all the top recommended writing and editing books, which are great. Until I translated all that advice into my own steps and practice, I never felt I was writing my best stuff. You know, not really. And I don't really know if I'm writing my best now, but it feels different, like I've passed the point of no return and it'd be harder to stop now than it would be to keep going.

Kind of like love.

I think the most important thing in writing novels is to deeply love what you're writing. I mentioned this recently on my blog (www.yourwritersgroup.com), but it got me thinking that novels are kind of unique in that they require the deepest, even spiritual, kind of love. A spouse or a child doesn't always need your all in every scene. But a novel? It can completely fail if you don't devote to it consistently and vigilantly. Novels are incredibly demanding, so much so that those with young families or big relational responsibilities need to seriously consider whether it's prudent. You need to be able to separate because this spiritual sort of love requires you to die to self, pick up your "cross," and follow that creation where it takes you. You are, in a sense, practicing the gospel in your daily writing practice. It's no longer you who lives, but that new work happening in you and coming through you. By extension, your novel can speak of God because you've "died" to give it life.

That's the basic idea. I want to stop well clear of any heresy. This can start to sound theologically dicey, especially considering how easily novels can become our gods if we aren't careful. The bottom line is, the way we approach both spiritual matters and our novels must be with reverence and acceptance of the ultimate cost. This is the only way I know of to write the novels that truly connect and speak with relevance to the deeper truths of life.

Mick Silva, Editor, Waterbrook Press (Visit Mick's blog here where he'll be posting those three steps shortly!)

Rachelle Gardner (Advice for Novelists, Part 7)

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Today I asked:

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

...to Rachelle Gardner. Here's her response:

The biggest mistake I see novelists making is trying to get published too soon. My Native American friend Russell Means used to tell me, "It takes the time it takes." He was always trying to get me to stop rushing. Now that mantra sticks in my mind when I find myself trying to force something before its time.

Becoming a novelist takes a serious investment in time as well as resources. Make sure you're ready. You must master the craft of writing if you want people to pay you for it. Attend writers' conferences and take writing workshops. Edit, rewrite and polish your book. Get critiques and feedback. Trade manuscripts with writing friends and get some good advice. Consider hiring a freelance editor. Read books about writing. Make sure you've done everything humanly possible to make your book the best it can be---take your time and get it right. THEN seek publication by pitching agents and editors. You'll find more success, and agents/editors will be less frustrated. A win-win all around!

--Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent, WordServe Literary (Be sure to check out her terrific blog here that's full of more insights like this!)

Rod Morris (Advice for Novelists, Part 5)

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Today I ask the question:

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

...to Rod Morris:

Don't preach to your readers and don't give in to the temptation to explain (tell) what's going on in your story. Know your characters intimately and let us see and hear them in action, then trust the power of their story to convey the theme or message of your novel.

--Rod Morris, Senior Editor, Harvest House Publishers

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!

Pacing in your novel

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Pacing is one of THE most important things in writing, especially in climaxes. A lot of times I find myself rushing through them, and the scene suffers for it. But the best anecdote I've found to spotting pacing problems is reading a scene aloud. I'll usually pick up when something doesn't work. The trick is knowing how to fix it. Here are a few suggestions for when your scene moves too fast:

1. Add more of what your character is thinking.
Even in an action scene it's okay to take a breath and understand what's going through your character's mind. Readers want to know these things.

2. Add action beats in between dialogue.
What is your character doing while he/she is talking? Show us.

3. Take time to describe the scene.
I'm not talking purple prose here, but a few lines of description can go a long way.

4. Read this article called "Stretching the Tension" by James Scott Bell.
It's invaluable. The info can also be found in his book Plot and Structure.

Now if your problem is that your scene is moving too slowly, do these steps in reverse. TAKE OUT some of these elements.

My Favorite Novels of 2007

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Ah, if only there were more days left in the year blocked off strictly for pleasure reading ... I have several titles still in my TBR pile that were released this year, but of the books I've read, here are my favorites (in no particular order):

The Restorer
by Sharon Hinck

From the moment I saw the cover I was intrigued. And I've always loved stories in which people from our world find themselves in another. Susan Mitchell, an ordinary soccer Mom and wife in our world travels through a portal (quite accidentally) to an unknown world where she soon realizes she has powers and skills only a promised Restorer would have.

The Restorer's Son
by Sharon Hinck

The sequel to The Restorer. Susan and her husband Mark travel back to the world they'd just left to rescue their son Jake who accidentally entered the land through the same portal Susan did. Just as good as the first book. I would love to see these novels made into movies!

The Stones Cry Out
by Sibella Giorello

Discovering this novel was like finding a twenty dollar bill in my pocket I thought was lost. I hadn't expected to find it, but boy was I happy I did. Giorello has a gift for telling a compelling story, and her word usage had me amazed at her writing skills more than once. Read my review of this book here.

In Between
by Jenny B. Jones

This book was another wonderful find this year. I got it in for TitleTrakk.com, but I couldn't send it on to our reviewer without reading it myself. And I laughed through every chapter. I love that about a book. Jenny has the skill to blend humor right alongside the serious. Terrific read whether you're 17 or 70.

On the Loose
by Jenny B. Jones

Book #2 in the Katie Parker Production series is just as delightful as the first. If not more so. Jones has created a character everyone, no matter their age, can relate to in some way--even if only for her snarkiness! Okay, and I gotta tell you. I've had the chance to read Book #3, The Big Picture. Katie Parker fans ... you won't be disappointed!

Clear Blue Sky
by F.P. Lione

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a police officer in one of the busiest cities of the world, look no further. Tony Cavalucci is the main character of the Midtown Blue series, and every novel is quality and authenticity wrapped up in a compelling story. The Liones aren't afraid to share truth, whether it be about the tough reality of the streets, or God's love. I really enjoyed learning about the daily grind of a cop's life, on the beat and off. Read my review of this novel here.

Saving Sailor
by Renee Riva

This book was another unexpected treasure. Reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird in that the narrator was a young girl not unlike Scout of that novel's fame. She's quirky, fun, wise beyond her years without realizing it, and she loves animals. A terrific combination. And humor. Did I mention I was cracking up through this one, too?

Hollywood Nobody
by Lisa Samson

Hmm... I'm detecting a theme here. I think I enjoy books with humor more than I first thought. And quirky characters. Scotty in this novel is a fifteen-year-old girl who travels the country in an RV with her mother Charley to movie sets. First, I loved the RV tidbits since I've also traveled around the country in one, and Scotty's sarcasm and penchant for cheese were hilarious.

Okay ... you're turn! What were your favorites of 2007?

Searching for a Plot (My Writing Journey, Part 12)

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No, not that kind of plot. The kind I'm talking about is much harder to find! When I last posted I talked about how after I finished my first novel I was desperate to discover the next story I was to write. I knew I had more than one book in me, and I was on a journey to find the next one.

Except it's hard to reach the end of a journey if you don't have a map. Plotting books was all too new to me. I'd discovered the story of my first novel over time and very gradually. So, like I mentioned, I picked up a copy of James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure.

In this wonderful how-to book Jim has a chapter all about getting ideas. One of them in particular I found helpful. The idea is this: sit down with a piece of paper (or open up a blank document on your computer) and fill in the blank:

"What I really want to write about is ___."

This is what I did, and I instantly had a response. I wrote it down.

Over a period of a couple weeks I continued to write in my idea journal various plot scenarios. Some were quite elaborate. I could've made books out of any of them. Then I performed the exercise above again ... and wrote the same thing, the same story idea. Several more weeks passed and I wrote a few chapters, then a few more. Eventually I had a story I was enjoying writing. Last night I wrote the last scene of that book.

Now, there's something amusing in all of this. The other day I was re-reading my idea journal, and I'd actually forgotten the exercise. But when I read my response I smiled. I had written a story that was exactly what I'd wanted to write about all those months ago ... without even realizing it.

My point? For those out there struggling with what to write next, search inside of yourself and be honest. What do you really want to write about? Chances are, that's where your best book will be found. Follow those ideas.

Second, for us SOTP (seat-of-the-pants) writers, don't be afraid if your plot doesn't come to you full blown. After all, the journey of discovery is why you write this way in the first place. My second novel didn't come to me full blown. I had plenty of days full of angst over what would happen next. But eventually, with lots of prayer, the story found me. It'll be the same for you.

2007 Christy Award Winners

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Named after Catherine Marshall's novel Christy, which has over 10 million copies in print, the Christy Award is designed to honor novels from a Christian worldview.

Last night the Christy Awards dinner was held in Atlanta, and according to author Tricia Goyer (who attended the event), the winners are ...

Contemporary Standalone:
Winter Birds
Jamie Langston Turner





Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas:
The Brethren
Beverly Lewis





Historical:
Madman
Tracy Groot





Lits:
Sisterchicks in Gondolas
Robin Jones Gunn





Romance:
The Measure of a Lady
Deeanne Gist





Suspense:
Plague Maker
Tim Downs





First Novel:
Where Mercy Flows
Karen Harter





Young Adult:
William Henry is a Fine Name
Cathy Gohlke

First Blog Tour - Prints Charming by Rebeca Seitz

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It is JUNE 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature is:

Rebeca Seitz

and her book:

PRINTS CHARMING

(Thomas Nelson Publishers, March 15, 2007)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebeca Seitz is Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations. An author for several years, Rebeca cut her publicity teeth as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In 2005, Rebeca resigned from WestBow and opened the doors of GRPR, the only publicity firm of its kind in the country dedicated solely to representing novelists writing from a Christian worldview. Rebeca has worked with such esteemed authors as Robin Jones Gunn, Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Walter Wangerin, Jr., DiAnn Mills, Brandilyn Collins, Colleen Coble, Melody Carlson, and numerous others. She has secured coverage for novelists in a variety of media outlets, including The Today Show, USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Publishers Weekly, Christian Retailing, Aspiring Retail, Southern Living, Daystar Television, HarvestTV, WAY-FM, K-LOVE, and others. Rebeca makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Charles, and their son, Anderson.

Read the first chapter here.

Christian mysteries -- a dead genre? (part 2)

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Publisher's Weekly has part 2 of their article, "Can 'Whodunits' Still Do It?", up for your reading pleasure. Click here.

This time Dave Long (acquisitions editor at Bethany House) weighs in along with Dave Lambert (Howard), Sue Brower (Zondervan), and Rebekah Nesbitt (Tyndale).

Cozy mysteries are discussed towards the end.