Free Contest

Author/Editor Kathy Ide

Want to go to a writer's conference, but when you open the ol' wallet, moths fly out? Have I found a dealio for you!

Kathy Ide is sponsoring a contest (no fee required) that will choose one lucky author wannabe to win a full scholarship to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. I've never had the privilege of attending this one, but many of my writerly buddies have...and it's highly recommended.

All you need to do is send in the first 5 pages of an unpublished book manuscript, fiction or non-fiction, of any genre here.

But before you submit, definitely read the full details here.

The deadline is January 31st, so why not give it a whirl? You've still got a week or two to polish up your beginning and send it off. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the winner!

And if you are, let me know. I'll seriously put on a cheerleading outfit and rah-rah for you on a Fun Friday vlog.

So Many Books, So Little Time

I'm often surprised at the writers I know who say they don't have time to read. Granted, there aren't that many, but those few who are too busy writing to read just might regret it one day. It's kind of like living on a diet of junk food. Works for now. Tastes great. But eventually your body is going to crash.

Newsflash: 
Reading is vital to a writer's soul.

Why? Great question. Here we go...

#1. Reading hones your craft.
Seeing how others structure their sentences, weave their plot lines, or develop characters presents a model (an obviously winning one since you're reading a  published book). Read and study the big name authors that are out there, those who have mastered the craft. 

#2. Reading outside your chosen genre stretches your writing capabilities.
I don't write young adult but I read it because of its snappy dialogue. I don't write horror but sometimes I pick up a tastefully done creeper because of it's shock-and-awe factor. I don't write epic sagas but sometimes I'll page through one to fill up my beautiful prose tank. Then I can use all these elements in my historical fiction to make it a more full-bodied manuscript.

#3. Reading puts your mindset into a different world, allowing you to see your created writerly world with fresh eyes when you come back to it.
Sometimes when you're stuck on a particular scene, it helps to walk away from it for a time and focus on something else.

I like what Jeff Goins had to say recently about reading...

"Read widely. This isn’t just research, it’s practice. Honing your craft. Studying the masters who came before. Pick a book or two that didn’t just pop up on your Amazon referrals list; read a classic or something that has absolutely nothing to do with your chosen field. We base our careers on words, so the best thing you can do is absorb as many of them as possible from as many different sources as you can."

So, go ahead. Toodle over to the library and pick up a few novels, but don't look for me there. I've got enough on my TBR pile right here at home.

Kick in the Pants

freedigitalphotos.net

Yeah, I admit it. I've been a slacker lately when it comes to writing. Even NANOWRIMO didn't give me the kick in the pants I was hoping for.

Do you have a project you'd really like to accomplish but just don't make the time for it? Sometimes it seems decadent to take time away from what needs to be done (like dishes or laundry) to pursue something you love. I mean, it's more noble to do something you don't like than to spend time doing what you enjoy...right?

Or is that how amateurs think? I came across a great quote this weekend that might do us all well to take to heart.

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration,

the rest of us just get up and go to work.

~ Stephen King

Yeah. That one hit me between the eyes, ranking right up there with Nike's Just Do It.

Perhaps I'll do something crafty with Stephen King's sage advice, like pulling out threads from a piece of burlap to form each individual letter, then frame it and hang it over my desk. I'm sure someone's already done this on Pinterest, so maybe I'll just pop over there first and take a looksie.

Hmm. Maybe not. I suspect that's where the amateurs hang out.

Top Non-Fiction Pick of 2012

Lest you have a spasm because you know I don't usually read non-fiction, allow me to clear up my choice of blog topic today. Over the New Year's holiday, I interviewed Kelly Klepfer, administrator of Novel Reviews (a fantastic review website you should check out) and asked her for her top pick.

And don't forget to visit Kelly's blog Scrambled Dregs.

Disclaimer: Sorry about the dog bark in the background. Lord Arthur Peabody (my daughter's dachsund) cannot keep quiet for 2 minutes in a row.

What I Learned in 2012

While some were partying and others were snoring in their beds, I kicked off the New Year with yet another rejection. I am seriously thinking of taking my writerly ball and going home.

Don't panic, though. I'll never quit writing. The idea I toy with now and then is to stop submitting my work to traditional Christian publishers. Hold on a second...this is not a rant against the establishment. We readers owe the big pubs gratitude for putting books into our hot little hands, so I am not dissing the CBA. 

What exactly am I talking about? I don't think I fit into their winning formula. Let's pick it apart piece by piece and you'll see what I mean...

Good Writing + Unique Voice + Story-that-fits-easily-into-marketable-Christian-category = Contract

GOOD WRITING
This part of the formula takes grunt work. You need to learn the trade and learn it well. It takes practice, typing your fingers to the nubs, and a whole lot of butt-in-chair time. I believe anyone can learn this if they are humble enough to take criticism and motivated to do the work.

UNIQUE VOICE
This second addend is a little trickier. Voice isn't something you learn. It's completely you. It's the words that flow after you stop worrying about what other people think of your writing. This is the stage whereupon you perform as little ol' you in the guise of story and character. I believe everyone has a voice but not everyone is able to let go and give it free rein.

STORY THAT FITS EASILY INTO MARKETABLE CHRISTIAN CATEGORY
Here's my Achille's heel. There are certain genres that are trendy, and if you want a contract, you need to write in those genres. And even if you write in a genre that is selling, you must keep the story within defined boundaries. At this particular stage in our economy, risk takers who stray from the accepted path will not win the contract.

So what I learned in 2012, besides that I stink at math, is that I need to make a decision. Either I play the publishing game according to the rules, or I quit beating my head against that wall and write for the sheer joy of writing. It's a crossroads every rogue writer eventually comes to.

What road do you think I'll take?

What's on the Tip of Your Tongue?

Ever get a word semi-stuck in your head? I mean, you know the meaning of the elusive word, but doggone if you just can't think of it. It's there, right there, on the tippity-tip of your tongue. 

Don't you hate it when that happens?

Well, never fear. I've found a handy-dandy site for you to visit next time you're tongue-tied. Chirag Mehta is a blogger who created a search engine to help you out. Give it a whirl here.

Keep Calm and Carry On

The story behind the iconic phrase...and a great motto to have for the New Year!