Stump the Chump

post by Michelle Griep

Every now and then here at Writer Off the Leash, I like to share questions I get asked because, hey, you might have the same question but are too afraid to inquire. To which I answer, "Scared? Of me? I'm way less frightening than Donald Trump's hair, so feel free to ask anything."

Now that we've got that cleared up, on to the question . . .

I would like to ask you, 

why did you stop writing Bible related stories 

and suddenly start writing fiction?

Umm. Er . . . Well. Yeah. That one kind of stumps me. See the wrinkly furrows on my brow?

The truth is I never did stop writing "Bible related stories" in favor of fiction. The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say fiction is an ordained method of relating Biblical truth.

Not that I'm a theologian, mind you. Shoot, I can't even pronounce Thessalonians without a lisp. But I figure that if Jesus imparted big-whopping truths via parables, then that technique is good enough for me.

Fiction is a non-invasive, less threatening mode to teach truth and often is more well received than lectures or sermons or floggings.

Of course there's the usual comeback . . . Fiction is of the devil because it's basically a big bunch of lies. Hmm. Really? Where do you draw the line between creativity and deception? 

And that, my friends, is a topic for further discussion. Check back tomorrow

What's So Great About Introverts?

post by Michelle Griep

It always freaks people out when I confess that I'm an introvert. Apparently that's not the persona I give off. Sure, I can yuk it up with the best of them, even slap a lampshade on my head and dance on the table. The thing is, though, that being too long around people drains me.

Introverts often get bad press. They're the nerds, the wallflowers, the ones that no one asks to prom. But today, here at Writer Off the Leash, we are going to celebrate the introverts of the world.

3 Great Things About Being an Introvert

1. Sweet Storytelling Skills
Generally, introverts are reflective. They are the daydreamers. Those who get lost in thought. Because of this trait, telling stories is a given. Some famous introverted tale tellers: J.K. Rowling, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Seuss.

2. Ready and Willing to Lend an Ear
Introverts tend to be contemplative and often more quiet. Not only are they able to listen but to analyze and then act.

3. Great Team Players
Usually introverts do not feel comfortable in the spotlight, which means they aren't attention hogs. So if you've got a project where you need creative collaboration, an introvert is going to be a star player on that them.

Don't get confused with thinking introverts are shy or antisocial. Usually they have an independent streak a mile wide and don't often care what others think of them. They still love to socialize with their buddies, just in measured amounts.

If you have an introvert in your life, give them a high-five today.

6 Traits of a Writer

Remember: good artists copy, great ones steal. Go ahead. Steal this and use it wherever you like.

5 Traits of a WriterInfographic

Christy Award Finalists

Looking for a new read? The 2016 Christy Award finalists were announced this week so you know these are some awesome titles . . .

CONTEMPORARY
▪ The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert (WaterBrook Press)
▪ As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
▪ The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/SUSPENSE
▪ Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
▪ Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
▪ The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES
▪ Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman (Harvest House Publishers)
▪ Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
▪ Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt (Howard Books)

FIRST NOVEL
▪ The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
▪ Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
▪ A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL
▪ The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
▪ Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House Publishers)
▪ The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton (WaterBrook Press)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE (Four finalists due to a tie in scoring)
▪ Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
▪ The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
▪ Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund (WaterBrook Press)
▪ To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

SUSPENSE
▪ The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks (Thomas Nelson, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
▪ Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
▪ Vendetta by Lisa Harris (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

VISIONARY
▪ The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
▪ A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes (Enclave Publishing)
▪ Waking Beauty by Sarah E. Morin (Enclave Publishing)

YOUNG ADULT
▪ The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
▪ Rebel by R.J. Anderson (Enclave Publishing)
▪ To Get to You by Joanne Bischof (Independently Published)

Finding Your Voice

post by Michelle Griep

"Developing a personal style signals growth and maturity — a strong grasp of the fundamentals, 

a confidence in your ability, and a desire to advance in your craft by saying what you want to say, 

on your terms.

~ Matt McCue

What makes a writer unique is his voice. No, not some raspy, chain-smoking kind of gravelly tone. I'm talking the way an author puts words together. How a writer lets sentences flow exactly as he thinks them. 

In essence: being yourself.

The elusive thing about voice, though, is that you can't learn it. You already have it. The trick is in letting it loose. But there area few things you can do to help your voice be heard loud and clear . . . 

Let 'er rip.

You do not have to follow all the writing "rules" that you've learned. In fact, if you do, you'll be so stymied by the fear of breaking those rules that the only voice a reader will hear is a timid mouse squeak. So pry your fingers off the fear button. Go ahead. Here's your permission.

Be yourself.

Do you use slang a lot when you speak? Then use it in your writing. Do you talk like a 'hood rat about to bust a sweet deal? Use that tone. Are you a prim and proper grammar nazi whilst partaking of a discussion? Then dot your i's and cross your t's in your manuscript. The point is that you should write like you talk.

Read.

I know. This sounds like a stupid made-up way to gain your voice. How the heck can reading other author's voices help you? Believe it or not, it can. When you see how other writers craft their work, fearless, blunt, rhythmic, it frees you to pen words in your own creative way. Peer pressure works. Just sayin'.

Write.

The more you write, the more you'll feel comfortable slapping words on a page, the more likely your voice will roam free from your head to your fingertips.

Above all, just be natural. Getting freaked out about voice is a sure way to muzzle it. If you immerse yourself in the story, your voice can't help but to come out.

Do You Need a Professional Edit Before You Submit a Manuscript?

post by Michelle Griep

A newbie writer contacted me the other day asking if I thought he needed a professional edit on his manuscript before sending it in to an agent or publisher. I've got several editor buddies, so seems like I'd say, "You betcha," without even blinking. Umm, not so much. There are several factors you should consider.

3 Factors to Consider Before Hiring an Editor

The Time Factor
How much elbow grease do you want to put into this? Editing and re-editing takes time, and first manuscripts are notorious for being time bandits. If you want a quick and easy edit, pay for it. But if you're willing to take the time to find and work with critique buddies and swap critiques, this can be a win-win situation.

The Money Factor
Editing is expensive. Do you have the cash to cough up for a professional edit? I'm not talking a cheapy read-through by an "editor" off of Craig's List. If you decide you do have the bankroll to fund this effort, check the editor's credentials and read reviews. But if your budget is limited, then just do your best, swap critiques, and go for it. If it's purchased, the publisher will do an extensive edit anyway.

The Proficiency Factor
How good of a grasp do you have on grammar? Is your dialogue formatted properly? Is spellcheck your only hope of readable copy? If you lack in any of these areas, then yes, you should probably get a pro to whip your copy into shape. But (and I've always got a big but) if you're going to be a writer, perhaps you ought to master these skills sooner rather than later.

All these things being said, if you're planning on self-publishing you MUST pay for a professional edit. There's no way around it.

And if you want a few recommendations for a few fantastic editors that I'd trust with my manuscripts . . .

Elizabeth Ludwig

Jeff Gerke

How Age Affects Reading

Post by Michelle Griep

Because you are all above average readers and highly intellectual, you probably can guess the answer to this . . .

Does age affect reading?

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Yes, we have a winner. Age does affect reading, but how? Here are a few interesting statistics:

• Women over 45 years old are 15% more likely to finish a book than the average reader.

• Readers under the age of 35 are 10% less likely than the average to finish a book.

• Older readers buy a significant number of young adult titles.

• The age group that reads the most (averaging 13 titles a year) is tied between the 30-49s and the 50-64s.

• Younger readers (ages 16-29) most often read to research topics of interest. Older readers (30+) read for pleasure.

• Younger readers read their eBooks on a cell phone. E-readers are the device of choice for those older.

• The library is used by younger readers more frequently instead of older readers.

Which one of these statistics surprised you the most? Personally, though I'm one of those who loves YA, I thought that perhaps I was an anomaly. Guess not.

Does that mean I can take off my freak badge now?