tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64360890869458076102024-03-13T23:17:24.585-07:00Palmetto Christian Writer's NetworkPCWN is a network of Christian Fiction and Non-Fiction Authors, Writers, Editors, Bloggers, and Speakers in South Carolina. Our purpose is to encourage and edify one another in our writing pursuits to the glory of God.Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-35673716924659769962014-11-19T09:11:00.000-08:002014-11-19T09:11:13.200-08:005 Steps to Capture and Keep the Editor's Interest<div class="MsoNormal">
Editors are busy, busy, busy people.<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you'll want to capture their interest quickly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how do you do that? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 5 steps listed below may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how often writers do not follow these steps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. Analyze the
magazine or publisher before you submit. </b>An article about training your dog wouldn't be of much interest to <i>Cat Fancy</i>, unless it was about training your dog to get along with your cat.<b> </b>Know the topics the magazine covers, their tone and slant, article length, style, and their target audience.
For a more in depth explanation, read <a href="http://debralbutterfield.com/analyze-magazine/" target="_blank">"How to analyze a magazine."</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are submitting a manuscript to a publisher, study
their catalog (sometimes available online) or the titles listed on their
website, or visit the local bookstore and study the publishers who publish your
genre. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. Write a proper
query letter.</b> Simply writing “Here is my submission” is a definite no-no. And believe me I have received just such emails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Address it to a specific editor</li>
<li>First sentence should hook the
editor just like the first sentence of your article or story should hook the
reader</li>
<li>Second paragraph a bit more about
the article and why you are the one who should write it</li>
<li>Third paragraph is your
publication credits, if you don’t have any don’t mention it</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
For
more, read <a href="http://debralbutterfield.com/do-you-query-properly/" target="_blank">“Do You Query Properly?”</a> Additionally, there are whole books written about writing queries. Check your local library.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Study the writers/submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. </b>An industry standard is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Name, address, and contact info to include your email and web address if you have a website</li>
<li>Times New Roman</li>
<li>11-12 pt. font</li>
<li>double spaced</li>
<li>1 inch margins all around</li>
<li>word count of article</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A serif font (like Times New Roman) is easier to read than a san serif font (like <b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Arial</span></b>). Remember, editors read manuscript after manuscript and their eyes grow weary. These guidelines are designed to make reading and editing easier for the editor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many magazines state how a submission is to be made, the specifics of their columns, what research is required, what they do not accept, and much, much more. So read them thoroughly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p>Many publishing houses do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but require manuscripts to be submitted by a literary agent or agency. </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p>So save yourself time and heartache by submitting correctly and to place that want your topic/genre. </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b>4. Write a proper book proposal if you are
submitting a book manuscript.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
What
publishers want in the proposal varies widely. Most common items are a </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>cover letter written much like a
query letter</li>
<li>synopsis of story</li>
<li>the target audience for your book</li>
<li>market overview or competition</li>
<li>marketing plan</li>
<li>bio of author</li>
<li>chapter outline (for nonfiction
primarily)</li>
<li>sample chapters</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing a book proposal can be more difficult than writing
the book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>5. Before submitting,
review your article. </b>Look for </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>correct spelling (do not rely on
spell check)</li>
<li>grammar</li>
<li>punctuation</li>
<li>word count within the specified
guidelines</li>
<li>written in the tone, slant, and
style of the magazine you’re submitting to</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Know your craft.</b>
Do not submit the first draft you write thinking an editor will fix it. Write
the best article (or book) you can and submit that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These 5 steps don't guarantee your article idea or manuscript will be accepted, but they most certainly increase your chances of the editor asking for the full manuscript.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HO96D4YeC_fk2R_E0gXmPrOUUagsZxsC2o0oiwvB6C6VeE-ywhknBNdyN4JEstd7XsygcZnv9t4FVKJhxgllMeK1FJzrffzv5CcuTMxEDcEdh1KyaizEqfYEHbISOPNcauO4JJFcJhU/s1600/Debra+Butterfield+3+thm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HO96D4YeC_fk2R_E0gXmPrOUUagsZxsC2o0oiwvB6C6VeE-ywhknBNdyN4JEstd7XsygcZnv9t4FVKJhxgllMeK1FJzrffzv5CcuTMxEDcEdh1KyaizEqfYEHbISOPNcauO4JJFcJhU/s1600/Debra+Butterfield+3+thm.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Debra L. Butterfield</b> is a freelance editor as well as the nonfiction editor for CrossRiver Media Group. Her most recent book, <i>Carried by Grace: A Guide for Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse</i>, releases in late 2014. She is a contributor to <i>Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival</i>, <i>2014 Penned from the Heart</i>, and <i>The Benefit Package</i>. Her editorial credits include the award-winning teen devotional <i>This I Know</i>. Visit her blog at <a href="http://debralbutterfield.com/" target="_blank">DebraLButterfield.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-92185122184447004612014-06-18T04:31:00.001-07:002014-06-18T04:31:04.162-07:00Psalm 19 ~ May the words of my mouth<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bkgEyMTty3s" width="459"></iframe>Deborah H Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13550206699789525800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-64742892485030363922014-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:002014-03-21T05:00:10.036-07:00Why Writers Must Also Be Speakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweGhl33mq5leteNTc4K_BFu-RYIUNbqvWn2adl_GMUp7w5teAUnenYslFi38u3lpM9w8_PpUozjRTyQIfuSMUfZPP0j-btgLFyfwrz2ORNmuWEoeqL9ANG08Kg3GnmASb82Nao-Aj6Zqi/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweGhl33mq5leteNTc4K_BFu-RYIUNbqvWn2adl_GMUp7w5teAUnenYslFi38u3lpM9w8_PpUozjRTyQIfuSMUfZPP0j-btgLFyfwrz2ORNmuWEoeqL9ANG08Kg3GnmASb82Nao-Aj6Zqi/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Glossophobia</i> or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking. Most women are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying. Many within the writing community agree, saying, “I’m a writer, not a speaker.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you feel this way, I have good news and bad news. First the bad news: It’s almost impossible to become a successful writer without also becoming a successful speaker. Now the good news: You can become a successful speaker. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are 10 reasons why writers must also be speakers: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>The agent interview.</b>
Before you can sell your work to a publisher, you must sell it to an agent. And you’re not just selling your book, you’re selling yourself—your personality, passion, and ability to promote your work. You must convince your agent before he’ll ever speak to a publisher on your behalf. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>The infamous elevator pitch.</b>
An elevator pitch is a 60-90 second description of your book. You should be able to give this confidently and articulately to an editor, agent, or potential reader in an elevator, social setting, or at dinner. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Writing will open up other opportunities to share your message.</b>
When readers connect with you through your writing, you begin a relationship of sorts. A natural outcome is that they want to interact with you in person. Many of my speaking invitations come because of something I’ve written. If we limit ourselves to the written word, we limit our ability to influence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b> <b>After you speak, your audience will be more interested in your written message.</b>
Quoting from your book during your presentation almost always increases book sales. When I speak, I direct people to my book and blog. When I write, I direct people to my speaking ministry presentations. Both are ways to expand my ministry and influence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Because Christians should always be ready to share their faith.</b>
This is a needy world, and we have the answers to life’s questions. First Peter 3:15 reminds us, “Be ready always to give a reason for the hope that lies within you with gentleness and respect.” </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh95JHtcYZ6RbymekOY2lnEdZUpE2NIjO6xhLCvvnjyBlKTN2zUrKXBDCHs-Ji3vOHppqTsQLuNYEGwBz8Mh4j6ZphicIUOg_8fV4rCUvN9HwzvEoLuH6qJY4SiX7RXjW7ggBNueiNqjTM/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh95JHtcYZ6RbymekOY2lnEdZUpE2NIjO6xhLCvvnjyBlKTN2zUrKXBDCHs-Ji3vOHppqTsQLuNYEGwBz8Mh4j6ZphicIUOg_8fV4rCUvN9HwzvEoLuH6qJY4SiX7RXjW7ggBNueiNqjTM/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. To be ready for radio and TV interviews.</b>
After establishing yourself as an expert in your field, media outlets will invite you to speak. Knowing how to think on your feet, communicate succinctly and powerfully, and conduct yourself on camera ensures that you present yourself and your message well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. To be able to add Vlogs and book promos to your blog.</b>
One of the latest additions to the blogging world is the video blog (Vlog). It’s a short video, usually filmed using a computer program such as Windows Live Media Player. Vlogs can further connect you with your audience.
Most of my blog posts are written, but occasionally I film a message when I feel especially passionate about something. Sharing my thoughts orally allows me to connect with some who prefer audio or visual communication. “I love your Vlogs,” one subscriber wrote. “I prefer to watch and listen rather than read.” You can also add a video to promote your books. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. Speaking can be a source of income to help support your writing</b>.
After you’ve written a book, you will become an expert in other people’s eyes, leading them to invite you to speak at their meetings, church and civic events, and book clubs. This will help promote your book and may support your writing with a speaker’s fee. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr8jvFK4oeMUdbL6Ta3iN-UXSLk23OckeP5uoG9V9SdmOYbLPwuNtEN5lUpwWjKL6LjKc6lHu7G0jAg52cNyFNzDHb2tSwwRT0jsV1S_YCe7o0wfEqN_1DWhX4rtDxZlA88oB0SkGfoZn/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr8jvFK4oeMUdbL6Ta3iN-UXSLk23OckeP5uoG9V9SdmOYbLPwuNtEN5lUpwWjKL6LjKc6lHu7G0jAg52cNyFNzDHb2tSwwRT0jsV1S_YCe7o0wfEqN_1DWhX4rtDxZlA88oB0SkGfoZn/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. To gain confidence and poise.</b>
Speaker training gives you the skills and confidence to interact with large groups, small groups, and individuals, increasing the effectiveness of your ministry. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>10. Because speaking makes you a better writer, and writing makes you a better speaker.</b>
The same skills that go into crafting an orderly, easy to follow, entertaining, or informational speech are the skills and techniques that make for an orderly, easy-to-follow, entertaining, or informational article, devotion, or book. Many of my best speaking presentations have their roots in a blog post or article, and vice versa. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After reading my 10 reasons, I hope you’re convinced why it’s not enough to be just a writer. To be a successful writer, you must also be a successful speaker. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EaF1fylMJJM160jCBkvet8dcVfSCIk1TrhAFQYkphyS9j0b8vTHJsQSswnz0euX9L3KpjS7kR_dBL6R7V_xQ5uGoeUtXexrEgGphVXCk9Jhxk4GRmDscSOVNf6dihbeUGSEIqFTOxM88/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EaF1fylMJJM160jCBkvet8dcVfSCIk1TrhAFQYkphyS9j0b8vTHJsQSswnz0euX9L3KpjS7kR_dBL6R7V_xQ5uGoeUtXexrEgGphVXCk9Jhxk4GRmDscSOVNf6dihbeUGSEIqFTOxM88/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the members of PCWN who presented the workshop "Why Writers Must Be Speakers" at the recent Writers Advance! Boot Camp Conference. (L-R Lori Hatcher, Deborah Bateman, Sharon Leaf, Linnette Mullin, Jean Wilund, and Janey Goude)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Lori will be sharing a message called "Worry Wart or Warrior Woman?" at Riverbend Community Church on Saturday, May 3 from 12-2 p.m. This luncheon is open to women of the community, and you are warmly welcome to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jean Wilund at (803)422-1410.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAYPkRPvlV29rqjhDR2TJ8Eqq3z9ZUM3nt4J61T3tzd339wNsnhYAriTTLvTOl3rb4u56AU6roSE7Q8po-7i23ynwSISZp0N0EjpTjM_OKO9a4hiGlLxOSHP-tAoSQKbE4Evx5X79bEK7/s1600/Lori+Hatcherpromoheadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAYPkRPvlV29rqjhDR2TJ8Eqq3z9ZUM3nt4J61T3tzd339wNsnhYAriTTLvTOl3rb4u56AU6roSE7Q8po-7i23ynwSISZp0N0EjpTjM_OKO9a4hiGlLxOSHP-tAoSQKbE4Evx5X79bEK7/s1600/Lori+Hatcherpromoheadshot.jpg" height="200" width="167" /></a></div>
Lori Hatcher is a Christian Communicators Graduate, Toastmasters International member, and the editor of <i><a href="http://www.reachoutcolumbia.com/">Reach Out, Columbia</a></i> magazine. She speaks nationally and internationally on topics that resonate with women, seeking to empower and equip them to live in the fullness of their relationship with Christ. She’s the author of two devotional books, <a href="http://www.mardel.com/Joy-In-The-Journey-Lori-Hatcher.aspx"><i>Joy in the Journey</i>,</a> for homeschooling moms, and <i>Hungry for God … Starving for Time,</i> for busy women. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, <a href="http://www.lorihatcher.com/">Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time.</a>Lori Hatcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11675180460653949981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-33005792837101288642014-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:002014-03-14T00:00:10.702-07:00Recipe for a Best-Selling Novel <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PCWN is excited to welcome guest writer and editor </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://debralbutterfield.com/">Debra L. Butterfield</a> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>to talk about how to write a best-selling novel. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take it away, Debra!</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Many writers struggle with plot, including me. We
envision the end product and wonder how we’re going to get there. But much like
a master chef preparing a three-course meal, our work has basic elements. The
chef has meat, veggies, dairy, and spices. He combines these to create a
delectable, unforgettable dish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The writer has plot, characters, goals, conflict, and
setbacks, and blends them to create a riveting (best-selling, we hope) novel.
At its very basic, plot is characters attempting to reach goals, but who meet
with conflict and setbacks along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you are a writer who works with or without an
outline, if these elements are missing from your story, you don’t have a story.
So let’s look at how these elements mix together to create a novel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Characters: </b>the
protagonist, the antagonist, supporting characters, and minor characters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Goals</b>: The
protagonist has a goal. The antagonist has a goal, which must somehow oppose
the protagonist’s goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conflict</b>: The
primary conflict of your story is the opposing goals of the protagonist and
antagonist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Setbacks</b>
happen when a character fails to meet a step in her plan to reach her goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These are the foundational elements you blend together
as your create your story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Example:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marta wants
to open a strip mall (story goal) and decides her first step is to procure
investment capital (the <i>scene</i> <i>goal</i>). She arranges a meeting with
four bank managers and presents her idea and business plan, then opens the
floor to questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each banker tosses out objection after objection that
Marta attempts to answer (the <i>conflict</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, each banker says no, and the meeting ends.
Marta has failed to meet her goal (<i>setback</i>).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now Build
Your Story Scene by Scene<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A scene is a mini plot. The character(s) has a goal,
but meets with conflict and setbacks, only a smaller scale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Scenes require action, and action comes through your
character’s attempts to meet her ultimate goal (aka objective). A setback
occurs when the conflict encountered obstructs the character’s immediate goal
(scene goal).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moving from scene to scene can be accomplished with as
simple a statement as “Later that day...” However, there are times when you
want to provide your reader with more. Jack Bickham, in his book <i>Scene and
Structure</i>, calls it sequel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A sequel begins when a scene ends (not always, but
usually), and like scenes, a sequel has specific elements. The sequel allows
you to show your character’s <i>emotions</i> and <i>thoughts</i> as she
analyzes her dilemma, makes a <i>decision</i> about her next step, and then
takes <i>action</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The elements of sequel—emotion, thought, decision,
action—happen in that order. Why? Because that is the sequence of normal human
response to trouble. (Drat, there are exceptions to rule. Read Bickham’s book
to gain a command of sequel.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Example: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we last saw Marta, she had attempted to garner
investment capital for her strip mall, but failed. Time to pull out some
seasoning: the sequel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marta stood stoically as she watched her investment
capital file out of the conference room door one by one. She waited until they
had exited the building before she slammed her office door, cursed to the empty
air and plopped down in a chair. <i>How could I have so misjudged their
response? Did I fail to show how this orphanage will fatten their coffers? </i>She
took several deep breaths in an effort to calm her emotions and mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She grabbed a piece of paper and jotted down the
bankers’ objections while they were still fresh in her mind. She scanned her
presentation again. <i>Maybe my numbers are too high, but this is still a good
investment. Time for Plan B.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Next she opened her “Investors” Excel file and entered
“no” in the appropriate column next to each banker’s name. She scanned the
document for regional business owners who could expand their business into the
community, then reached for the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This brief exchange shows Marta’s emotions and
thoughts, her decision about the situation, and her renewed action toward her
goal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let’s connect the pieces of plot and scene
and sequel. </b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Plot at its
most basic level is your lead character’s goal and the journey to reach that
goal. That journey is played out in the scenes and sequels of your story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Scenes show
the reader the individual steps your character takes to reach his or her goal
and the setbacks along the way. Sequels bridge your scenes and present the
character’s reaction—emotions and thoughts—to the setbacks, and his or her
subsequent decisions and renewed action toward the final goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A chef may add flavor by wrapping bacon around a filet
mignon. The writer adds flavor by using active verbs, appealing to the five
human senses, and utilizing other story elements such as dialogue, pacing, beats,
tension, and suspense. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In your WIP,
can you identify:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~ The
beginning, middle, and end of each scene?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~ How each
scene moves your plot forward?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~ Can you
identify your sequels?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~ How do your
sequels move your plot forward?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For practice, look for the scenes and sequels in your
favorite novels. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Does some aspect of your WIP have you stumped? Share in the
comments below. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPUi5OjO-7ho62OELyQMTnsceH10pxF0-II2UhfVIn9Iz8wJEo0lOybVqZYNfMqt7YqPMcZUVTe42T8bgDmwx_qMyNiu_5g7CBwcEPGPInI_h4-Z31EWt9O_h9kzKwnBeIZvijDi5Zes/s1600/Debra+Butterfield+3+thm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPUi5OjO-7ho62OELyQMTnsceH10pxF0-II2UhfVIn9Iz8wJEo0lOybVqZYNfMqt7YqPMcZUVTe42T8bgDmwx_qMyNiu_5g7CBwcEPGPInI_h4-Z31EWt9O_h9kzKwnBeIZvijDi5Zes/s1600/Debra+Butterfield+3+thm.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Debra L. Butterfield</b> is a freelance writer,
editor, and writing coach. Her work appears in the <i>Miracles and Moments
of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival </i>(releasing 2014), <i>2014 Penned from the Heart</i>, and <i>The Benefit Package</i>. Her articles have
appeared in <i>Live</i> magazine, CBN.com, <i>The Vision</i>, <i>Susie</i>, and <i>On Course </i>online.
Her editorial credits include <i>Yossel the
Dreamer, Where Hope Starts</i>, and <i>This
I Know</i>. Visit her blog at <a href="http://debralbutterfield.com/">DebraLButterfield.com</a>. </span></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-76408387968106191882014-02-10T08:59:00.003-08:002014-02-10T09:06:36.239-08:00"Finding Beth" is now available!<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Amazon reviewers are giving "Finding Beth" 5 Stars:</u></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbPFCbcQNfMW8OWv2GBZroeapdz1faTJQETs8sqc0wwk8zNVwf-F-oPW-fcnYA7_JnH0ErkxzG7_h44gQ3WUqvAAiZ5l4wnkuGWk5w-2rVUkRWU6VbT4qpaD_27dIIkKJXcSFKmJNCnY/s1600/Finding+Beth+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbPFCbcQNfMW8OWv2GBZroeapdz1faTJQETs8sqc0wwk8zNVwf-F-oPW-fcnYA7_JnH0ErkxzG7_h44gQ3WUqvAAiZ5l4wnkuGWk5w-2rVUkRWU6VbT4qpaD_27dIIkKJXcSFKmJNCnY/s1600/Finding+Beth+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>A run-away-bride-to-be and a southern-boy-next-door... </b></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Trapped by the reality of past choices... lost in confusion and pain, Beth Gallagher must fight her way back to God. Just when she makes a new friend in Adam Blythe and finds peace with God, tragedy strikes. Beth faces new demons that steal her new-found peace and threaten to steal her future. Could she possibly find true love with Adam Blythe? Or will this crisis tear them apart? Will she ever find her way home a midst her emotional mine-field? Read Finding Beth to find out!</b></i></span></div>
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Purchase "Finding Beth" at:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://crossrivermedia.com/"><b><span style="color: black;">CrossRiverMedia.com</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Beth-Linnette-R-Mullin/dp/193650118X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391214801&sr=1-1&keywords=finding+beth+by+linnette+r+mullin"><b><span style="color: black;">Amazon.com</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>OR</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Purchase an autographed copy at:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flyingwithbrokenwings1.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black;">LinnetteRMullin.com</span></b></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><u>What Amazon reviewers are saying about "Finding Beth":</u></b></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><i>Intriguing!</i></u> </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Linnette Mullin's "Finding Beth" is an intriguing story. You will find yourself eagerly flipping each page hoping Beth will make the right choices, cheering Adam on and biting your nails at every trial. A story of what true love looks like.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~ Lindsay Varble</b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>~</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>You won't put it down! </u></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I encourage you to give this book a try! It takes the "typical Christian romance" into new waters, and the journey will keep you turning those pages to see what happens next. Loss, heartache, trust, forgiveness, abuse, betrayal, PTSD, healing, love... I think I'll go read it again! Sure, with most Christian romance novels, you can guess the ending pretty early...who ends up with whom. But the path Linnette takes to get to that end is different and captivating.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~ SDP</b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>~</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>I didn't want to put the book down!</u></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I loved this book! She managed to touch every corner of my heart in one incredible story. I can't wait to see what else Linnette brings to life in her future books. What a powerful story of Gods devotion in the storms we find ourselves in.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~Angela Maes</b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>~</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>In "Finding Beth" one just might find themselves, as well.</u></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>... Beth is perfectly crafted... beautifully broken and devastatingly real. You want to sit down with her over tea (or coffee with too much cream and sugar) and encourage her, pray for her and with her, root for her, cry with her, and cheer with her as she makes her way out of the darkness and tragedy that surrounds her. She's as tough as she is tender, and I really loved that about her. She's enduring, and wraps herself tightly around your heart. You can't help but love her and hold out hope for her story to end well. She's inspiring, even when she's falling apart. Even in weakness, her courage really shines through in the decisions she makes on how to handle her circumstances. ...</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~ D. M. Kilgore, Writer and Super Book Worm</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLcZuFgs3lrp0FJY8AMtE5iZuQgBcLh61kw7OC43xZeQJ7RlXUzMxjZsLd-LnPqFBXjnorC07LQtHTXoaUSW8eZrnH18cTdmyIxUetrDG0GTHAJcNLRcgoUjdAbH2EO_-0AmpvMYIkNQ/s1600/Finding+Beth+122013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLcZuFgs3lrp0FJY8AMtE5iZuQgBcLh61kw7OC43xZeQJ7RlXUzMxjZsLd-LnPqFBXjnorC07LQtHTXoaUSW8eZrnH18cTdmyIxUetrDG0GTHAJcNLRcgoUjdAbH2EO_-0AmpvMYIkNQ/s1600/Finding+Beth+122013.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-80730131465371195362013-11-13T10:12:00.001-08:002014-02-10T09:00:46.824-08:00Linnette R Mullin: It's Countdown Time for "Finding Beth"<a href="http://linnettemullin.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-countdown-time-for-finding-beth.html?spref=bl">Linnette R Mullin: It's Countdown Time for "Finding Beth"</a>: Pre-orders details coming soon!Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-87997210122112330312013-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-21T00:00:09.446-07:00Kathy Nickerson's Writing Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Thirty Days to Glory</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">by Kathy Nickerson</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiCbOsFMJMotKbU9ipEUWDmLyFDmFrGlfptsC7WCZ2ewMJKmFqyaNa2CmnXcTXSoqazZqHJ9rry52Bd5JKnqneK72-Da3eMDqjltDgMh6sdIjrfJGqiwhy6qvcG-GdpG2HEDzKEyVXME/s1600/Thirty+Days+3D+Cover+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiCbOsFMJMotKbU9ipEUWDmLyFDmFrGlfptsC7WCZ2ewMJKmFqyaNa2CmnXcTXSoqazZqHJ9rry52Bd5JKnqneK72-Da3eMDqjltDgMh6sdIjrfJGqiwhy6qvcG-GdpG2HEDzKEyVXME/s320/Thirty+Days+3D+Cover+.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<h1>
The Waiting Room </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1983, I stepped into a local bookshop and purchased my
first copy of <i>The Writer’s Market</i>. I
trembled at my own audacity. Who was I to aspire to such things? Yet, every
afternoon while the children napped, I devoured the mysteries of query letters,
book proposals, and the now-out-dated SASE.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thirty years later, someone published my first novel. If you
are an eager, young novelist, such news might seem dreadful. I might sound like
a failure. But let me tell you what I did while I waited:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
I Learned</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first thing you do in a waiting room is flip through
magazines. The pictures are distracting, and sometimes you learn a thing or
two. In 1986, I attended my first writers’ conference, and I learned a lot. An
editor encouraged me to keep writing. A Pulitzer-winning author told me I
showed promise, and the conference host signed me up for his college course. I
kept attending conferences ever year and met lots of editors, authors, and
friends. I read books about writing, subscribed to magazines, and followed
several blogs in the writing world. Eventually, I took a twelve-month online
course in writing fiction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
I Wrote</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Reading</st1:city>
magazines will only pass the time for so long, of course. Eventually, you have
to get up and pace the floor. Attending conferences won’t get a book published
if you haven’t stayed home long enough to write something. So, I started
sending out freelance articles and proposals. To my surprise, editors started
buying them! I’ve written three unpublished novels, ghosted five memoirs (two
have been published so far), sold a few dozen articles, and written countless
press releases, web stories, newspaper columns, and brochures, along with
posting to my own blog every week. I still yearned to see my own novels on
store shelves, but in the meantime, I wrote.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
I Grew</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing tests one’s character or faith like waiting.
Especially if you are waiting for the results of a biopsy or the birth of a
grandchild. For a writer, waiting is a lifestyle. When I look back at early
drafts of my novel, <i>Thirty Days to Glory</i>,
I am so glad no one wanted to publish it ten years ago! That would have been a
premature birth. As I grew, so did my characters. We are all better people than
we were in those early days.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if you are in The Waiting Room as a writer, take heart.
Keep learning, keep writing, and keep growing as you enjoy this process.
Eventually, a nurse will step into the room and announce, “It’s a boy!” Or a book. Or script. Or a poem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will be so glad you waited.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF1kHtRSI-cKZsC1lgbHZc1EvBEShABsDuC27N5rPPNfLUvoQhwT2wnS0Ud7Saq2UetK8F2AZSV8o6Z2yIA__Abh3CrQRWI1saPiZCnXETo_GwLO5BEI3pevhHTy5TcXRWTAImrE_0Gw/s1600/KathyNickerson_Web_5575+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF1kHtRSI-cKZsC1lgbHZc1EvBEShABsDuC27N5rPPNfLUvoQhwT2wnS0Ud7Saq2UetK8F2AZSV8o6Z2yIA__Abh3CrQRWI1saPiZCnXETo_GwLO5BEI3pevhHTy5TcXRWTAImrE_0Gw/s200/KathyNickerson_Web_5575+copy.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kathy Nickerson writes from her home in rural <st1:state w:st="on">Missouri</st1:state>, where she
lives with her husband of nearly forty years. They are the parents of four
children who grew up to become their best friends and who have given them a
dozen grandchildren, so far.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kathy’s writing
credits include magazines such as <i>Discipleship
Journal</i>, <i>Angels on Earth</i>, <i>Focus on the Family</i>, <i>Proto</i>, and <i>Kyria.com</i>. Some of her stories have also been published in
collected works by Bethany House and Guideposts Books. Her novel, <i>Thirty Days to Glory</i>, will be released
by CrossRiver Media in October 2013. You may connect with Kathy at: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kathynick.com/">www.kathynick.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/kathynick">www.facebook.com/kathynick</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/kathynick_">www.twitter.com/kathynick_</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Book Link</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.crossrivermedia.com/">www.crossrivermedia.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-44404562208023631432013-08-31T13:32:00.002-07:002013-08-31T13:37:08.816-07:00Local Writer's Meetings Can't be Beat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrufaDrKtZIBtcguMAX8bBTlLFRS7BDK5QydRToxSeGp9JjJDfwDtATTPo_FqLy1kUVk5ZxzZjljRXdYO5DdtDcQgrh30cPe7wshezwrAQgYaKcHdQiB-9STz_EjQBO8UPrf5oNwjFFU/s1600/PCWN.LinnetteMullin.com.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrufaDrKtZIBtcguMAX8bBTlLFRS7BDK5QydRToxSeGp9JjJDfwDtATTPo_FqLy1kUVk5ZxzZjljRXdYO5DdtDcQgrh30cPe7wshezwrAQgYaKcHdQiB-9STz_EjQBO8UPrf5oNwjFFU/s320/PCWN.LinnetteMullin.com.JPG" width="320" /></a>Dear Writer,<br />
<br />
If you've never been a part of a local writer's group, you don't know what you're missing. I love connecting and bonding with writers on-line, yet there is something special about having that face to face with your friends. Supporting one another in a more tangible way keeps you from feeling lost in the sea of cyber-space.<br />
<br />
I unwittingly scheduled our August meeting on Labor Day weekend. As a result, only five of us were able to attend. Yet five of us <b>did</b> attend. This just shows that PCWN spirit thrives and it does my heart good!<br />
<br />
Do you have a local writer's group? If not, why not start one? I did. If you do have one, how does your local network encourage you?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1HlrxhtNZ6X5t4e80y8MBSn6fP1OmHkkm-7HsvMEEvK2fmsXVJAxSYbxmsKqyGbkWBdsX43i2777yhx_hjYFbm1jvANBF4jm0GEIFdsOdsndedT0waWz-E1XpS1ToXmG2xH6mekFzYk/s1600/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1HlrxhtNZ6X5t4e80y8MBSn6fP1OmHkkm-7HsvMEEvK2fmsXVJAxSYbxmsKqyGbkWBdsX43i2777yhx_hjYFbm1jvANBF4jm0GEIFdsOdsndedT0waWz-E1XpS1ToXmG2xH6mekFzYk/s200/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
~Linnette R Mullin<br />
Writes Life-changing Romance<br />
Author of "Finding Beth", Releasing Fall 2013<br />
Founder & Director of Palmetto Christian Writer's Network<br />
Find out more at <a href="http://www.linnettemullin.com/">www.LinnetteMullin.com</a><br />
<br />Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-56387844691476277152013-05-29T17:23:00.000-07:002013-07-13T15:54:30.336-07:00Looking for an Editor?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I have just the one for you!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxGXLneWLp7Qs2NzGE3XXgH-Pj3CdqKvjWod96inrWPuVSv9xLyiouAjO51RkBntcEAzWvtO-25DgSFfAvOYwZsnvYtY3emIKtegWZq6t6kWTdW8sOPeDzGFC4fNrpr99z_fhcp_SSsY/s1600/Dave&books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxGXLneWLp7Qs2NzGE3XXgH-Pj3CdqKvjWod96inrWPuVSv9xLyiouAjO51RkBntcEAzWvtO-25DgSFfAvOYwZsnvYtY3emIKtegWZq6t6kWTdW8sOPeDzGFC4fNrpr99z_fhcp_SSsY/s320/Dave&books.jpg" title="Dave Fessenden Concept to Contract" width="232" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://fromconcepttocontract.com/">David E. Fessenden</a></b> is launching out as an independent consultant after 20 years in editorial management for Christian publishers. Dave has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in religion, and over 30 years of experience in writing and editing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">In his previous positions Dave has edited scholarly and popular journals, served on the staff of a Bible institute and was editor of a regional edition of the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country. Dave has published five books, produced study guides for two titles by A.W. Tozer (published in the back of the books), written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous academic and popular books. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl7uQBlx20SLK2xA7rMT0SugYi4ez0eYoGyjdKzFW8gZOQAQJFCNzlA2Cnfo51jeXC0Xe5w90fu7BbiUg41UK7oZCadd7NaFwvIVfcv0rSHOd7YOclkyRjdN6Nu1lXubY_HA0qCnO5U8/s1600/ConceptToContractPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl7uQBlx20SLK2xA7rMT0SugYi4ez0eYoGyjdKzFW8gZOQAQJFCNzlA2Cnfo51jeXC0Xe5w90fu7BbiUg41UK7oZCadd7NaFwvIVfcv0rSHOd7YOclkyRjdN6Nu1lXubY_HA0qCnO5U8/s200/ConceptToContractPic.jpg" width="128" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">He recently completed a 10-</span><span style="background-color: white;">year stint as a regular columnist for Cross & Quill, a Christian writers newsletter, and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. Dave also conducts Sunday school teaching workshops based on his book, Teaching with All Your Heart. His latest book, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, was published by SonFire Media in 2011.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><br /><br /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><b>What others are saying about Dave:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> <b>Not all editors and writers are created equal.</b> Some writers and editors can accomplish the work but can’t teach. <b>Dave Fessenden</b> is an excellent writer and editor—but he can also teach it to others. . . I recommend his services because Dave can speak and teach—as well as write and edit—with authority and excellence.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><b><span style="background-color: white;">~ W. Terry Whalin</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Morgan James Publishing</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> <b>Dave Fessenden</b> is a skilled editor and writer with proven ability to juggle and meet multiple simultaneous deadlines as he managed a book publishing company. His ready laugh and patient, encouraging manner made working with him at writers conferences and for him as freelance editor both easy and enjoyable. He is a great storyteller, able to regale acquaintances and convert them into loyal friends.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><b><span style="background-color: white;">~ Deb Strubel</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Freelance writer and editor</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Dave</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> was</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> a managing editor when I first met him. He not only was generous with his knowledge, but taught me about editing, giving advice about perfecting proposals and manuscripts. . . . He is dependable and knowledgeable, and provides leadership with integrity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">~ Crystal Laine Miller</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Freelance book reviewer</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Fiction acquisitions reader</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> <b>Dave</b> knows the publishing business both from the writing and publishing sides. I supervised an independent study for him, which resulted in the publication of his book, Teaching With All Your Heart. As a freelancer, I later wrote children’s curriculum for a publication that he served as editor. Dave has a true heart for God and does an excellent job whether he is wearing the hat of writer or editor. He is always encouraging and fair in his appraisals.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><b><span style="background-color: white;"> ~ Shirley Brosius</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Adjunct faculty member</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Evangelical Seminary</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">~</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've known <b>Dave Fessenden</b> for a number of years, sat in on his conference classes, and read some of his works including one of the best books on writing I've ever read (From Concept to Contract). Not only is Dave </span><span style="font-size: large;">a genuinely nice guy with a great sense of humor whom anyone would enjoy working with, but </span><span style="font-size: large;">he's also a professional who is very capable of meeting your editorial and writer's needs. Visit </span><a href="http://fromconcepttocontract.com/"><i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Concept to Contract</span></b></i></a><span style="font-size: large;"> for more about Dave, as well as fabulous writer's tips! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1Ri-CJxXEDVX2hLdFMFXeL61UXbsZPoDUTqxFwrlIn37fKVDENGc5_ny-ghX0bmhPgvExDcmBZdVDKxTlKf-kHdXAQtmBadJNWPx8gV3Z9TenJnOHsEzJ1t93kKeIdtY3TMEWfeDEWg/s1600/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1Ri-CJxXEDVX2hLdFMFXeL61UXbsZPoDUTqxFwrlIn37fKVDENGc5_ny-ghX0bmhPgvExDcmBZdVDKxTlKf-kHdXAQtmBadJNWPx8gV3Z9TenJnOHsEzJ1t93kKeIdtY3TMEWfeDEWg/s200/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #081861; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.linnettemullin.com/">Linnette R Mullin</a> is the writer of Life-changing Romance. Her debut novel, "Finding Beth", is scheduled to release late 2013 by <a href="http://crossrivermedia.intuitwebsites.com/FindingBeth.html">CrossRiver Media</a>. Visit <a href="http://linnettemullin.com/">LinnetteMullin.com</a> for more details. She is the founder and coordinator of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palmetto-Christian-Writers-Network/134405679969599?ref=ts&fref=ts">Palmetto Christian Writer's Network</a>, runs the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/351640141546216/">We Are Writers</a>" group on Facebook, and is an advocate for sufferers of <a href="http://www.publichealthalert.org/">Lyme Disease</a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #081861; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Linnette has been married to her hubby, John, for over twenty years and is the mother of four amazing sons.</span>Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-85388022836488088372013-05-28T11:55:00.000-07:002013-07-13T15:52:13.347-07:00The Joy of Editing<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">You read right. There is JOY in editing!</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC6VGqMTlhTCXgV7UNVTwggOHnV4J6sM8v4I0NGW_SxXFtmzqNZZieTSsPbKkCZ1OWQgpd92NCjGA8jyVgfc_Mp_YtBlbaUoobJw0jgAU4X-OVcTJCH8cj6jv2rtwrEmaoCHt8eNd6nQ/s1600/1-Roses.www.LinnetteMullin.com-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC6VGqMTlhTCXgV7UNVTwggOHnV4J6sM8v4I0NGW_SxXFtmzqNZZieTSsPbKkCZ1OWQgpd92NCjGA8jyVgfc_Mp_YtBlbaUoobJw0jgAU4X-OVcTJCH8cj6jv2rtwrEmaoCHt8eNd6nQ/s320/1-Roses.www.LinnetteMullin.com-001.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Discouragement comes in many forms for writers...</span></i></b><br />
It's a long arduous journey to be sure and many of the rewards don't come until you've invested years of seemingly fruitless labor in your career. While some writers seem to be more gifted and natural at putting words together than others, they had to start by learning their ABC's just like every one else.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Time bites!</span></i></b><br />
When I first dipped my toes into the writing pool, the first thing to bite was this thing called time. I was told over and over again that it took time to become a published writer. Most authors spend years on their first novel and it may still never see the light of day. How discouraging is that to a newbie? However, I've learned from my own experience that the four years I spent writing and editing my novel have paid off in so many ways.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The first novel...</span></i></b><br />
Before I go into that, it's only fair to warn you that if I included my first novel which is tucked safely away in a drawer, I've been at this writing thing for a dozen years or more. While my first novel wil not be my debut novel, it was a huge teaching tool. I learned how to tell a story from beginning to end. I pulled it off. I wrote a novel. It takes time and stick-to-it-tiveness to accomplish that. Never discount that first baby birthed from you imagination.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Time well spent!</span></i></b><br />
My debut novel, "Finding Beth", took four years to write, edit, rewrite, edit some more, rewrite some more... You've heard the same thing from other writers, I'm sure. I must say that I hated it! Every time someone gave me feedback, telling me I still had too much telling rather than showing, I wanted to hurl the thing across the room. I wanted to give up. Quit. But I couldn't! So, I kept plugging on.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Joy in editing...</span></i></b><br />
When I received the first edits back from my publisher, I was overwhelmed. I had one month to fix what <i><b>still</b> </i>needed fixing. My wonderful hubby shipped me off to the coffee shop each Saturday this month so I could focus. What I discovered amazed me. Not only was I knocking it out much faster than I ever imagined possible, I found the agony of pruning my sapling absent. Not only was it absent, but there was a joy in knowing that my pruning wasn't hurting my story, but growing it, deepening it, strengthening it. All the frustrating hours I'd spent the previous two years agonizing over having to hack away at my book over and over and over again birthed in me the ability to see it through different eyes. It pushed me beyond the pain into a realm of freedom - the freedom to cut away without fear of irrevocable damage. From that freedom came a joy in editing I never thought possible.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Have you found that joy?</span></i></b><br />
Have you come to the place where you can say you're happy to edit and rewrite your work? Tell me about it. If you haven't reached that point, I'd like to know that, too. I'd love to hear about where you're at in your writing journey. Will you share?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fViSh4Zj9Yw/Tnjsnkydi1I/AAAAAAAABIM/0ufScuKadIQ/s1600/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fViSh4Zj9Yw/Tnjsnkydi1I/AAAAAAAABIM/0ufScuKadIQ/s200/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Linnette R Mullin is the writer of Life-changing Romance. Her debut novel, "Finding Beth", is scheduled to release late 2013 by CrossRiver Media. Visit www.LinnetteMullin.com for more details. Linnette has been married to her hubby, John, for over twenty years and is the mother of four amazing sons. She is the founder and coordinator of Palmetto Christian Writer's Network, runs the "We Are Writers" group on Facebook, and is an advocate for sufferers of Lyme Disease.<br />
<br />
<br />Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-91661218527543876262013-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-13T15:54:50.226-07:00The Writer's Journal<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
What comes to mind when you hear the word “journal”? Most
people think of a diary, a place to write personal thoughts. After looking in
the dictionary, I discovered there are various types of journals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Types of Journals:</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Accountants use the term journal for their ledgers.
Newspapers, magazines, and periodicals are called journals – for example, a
medical journal. For nautical, the ship’s log is a journal. Then, there are
diaries: 1) day-to-day accounts of events and 2) a record of experiences,
ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use – i.e. memoirs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s a
definition I put together for a writer’s journal:</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ssens">A writer’s
journal is a record of experiences, ideas, reflections, new words, day-to-day or
special events, and many miscellaneous things which aids one in his pursuit of
the written word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ssens"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">So why journal?
What’s the purpose of journaling:</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Brainstorming – journaling is a must for many writers when
it comes to brainstorming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Organization – journaling helps writers to keep their
facts straight. Whether you’re a fiction writer or a non-fiction writer, this
is essential!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Ideas – journaling is a great way to stock away ideas for
future topics or stories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Research – any research you do for your writing should be
kept in a safe place with easy access.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Feedback – some writers keep feedback files as a type of
archive they can look back into to help them grow as a writer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Stay sane – record vital things, as well as get things out
of our system when we need to be focusing on one thing, but can’t due to other
plaguing thoughts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Word Journal – list words that catch your attention, words
that make you stop and say, “That’s a really good word. I’d like to use that
sometime.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ssens"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ssens"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ssens"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Methods/tools:</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Document Files</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Post-its/index cards</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Cork</st1:place>
boards/wall tacking, notebooks/memo pads</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maps/charts/diagrams/floor plans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Physical file folders</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sketchbook</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paper scraps</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Journals/diaries</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time-lines (cards)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facebook</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blogs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On-line private journals</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Napkins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paper and pen in the bathroom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Things to journal
as a writer (non-fiction or fiction):</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sermons/Devotional Ideas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quotable quotes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Special moments</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Conversations you overhear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moods/body language/expressions/looks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five senses: Smells/Sounds/sights/touch/taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Events/News</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actions/reactions – good or bad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traveling</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Submissions/Rejections/Acceptances</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outlines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scene ideas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Character Sketches</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time lines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Story plot/planning</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maps/floor plans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sketches/pics</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Words you hear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>No matter what
forms your writer’s journal takes, make it work for you</u></b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some plaster pictures and timelines and post-its all over
their wall. Some draw in sketchbooks. Others carry a little pocket size pad in
their purse or pocket. Some cut out pictures in magazines and make scrapbooks
or tack them to their wall. Others have very organized document files in their
computer. Find what works for you and don’t be afraid to try something new.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer to how you journal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion time!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you journal? If so, what? Why? How? When? Where? What does it do for you? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-62936060349965884212013-02-27T08:24:00.001-08:002013-07-13T15:55:12.177-07:00The Journaling Life of a Writer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry6U0O7guYslyYcDAwi7iDz_eq9hO9nyD0Niyrw5OM0PrN0a3T76e-60jZZpV1NudqfVfTL2RH-cqUoHyUod-QhOw6Xo6rfjfBDaHnfjH2MGlk40DZtPlsqMlwZ1_DR5knBuGIXaj8iY/s1600/19-345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry6U0O7guYslyYcDAwi7iDz_eq9hO9nyD0Niyrw5OM0PrN0a3T76e-60jZZpV1NudqfVfTL2RH-cqUoHyUod-QhOw6Xo6rfjfBDaHnfjH2MGlk40DZtPlsqMlwZ1_DR5knBuGIXaj8iY/s200/19-345.JPG" width="200" /></a>Every writer journals. They may not realize it, but they do. Writers have various methods of journaling and each one forms their own habits and patterns which are most beneficial to their individual quirks.<br />
<br />
It's always helpful to brainstorm with fellow writers about their methods of journaling. This gives fresh ideas and new perspectives on how one can improve their own style. At their March meeting, PCWN will discuss why writers journal, how to journal, what to journal, and how it benefits their writing.<br />
<br />
How, what, and why do you journal? How does it benefit your writing?<br />
<br />Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-63840786498402444562013-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:002013-07-13T15:53:45.020-07:00Three Simple Steps to a Successful Synopsis<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;">by Linnette R Mullin</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Necessity is the mother of invention!” </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">~ Plato</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazing what happens when a person comes under the pressure of a deadline.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In preparing for a writing contest this time last year, I discovered they wanted a synopsis. A one-page synopsis! Did someone say
panic attack? Yikes! It’s not that I haven’t written a synopsis before. I’ve
written several. For the same book. But I’ve never been satisfied with any of
them. So… time to hop back on the not-so-merry-synopsis-go-round. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeyZRWroZ0qoIx50DdLQ5j0QUzms1QxGm7Uls-r2nFSyoabL72CQhbGHPEfLhpex0RIJt3yGfTU8k7ZJTGiZL8A5PXbCyFb-VyPprDtyLVFJ15FcaVa_O4_bWB4BGRM_IT2FTb9HTMFg/s1600/merry-go-round.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeyZRWroZ0qoIx50DdLQ5j0QUzms1QxGm7Uls-r2nFSyoabL72CQhbGHPEfLhpex0RIJt3yGfTU8k7ZJTGiZL8A5PXbCyFb-VyPprDtyLVFJ15FcaVa_O4_bWB4BGRM_IT2FTb9HTMFg/s200/merry-go-round.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Merry+go+round&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=merry+go+round&sc=8-12&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=EE2849CF074E80B839DFC19E46732C2AC41F2ED6&selectedIndex=64">at Bing</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started pounding the keyboard, looking for answers. Every site
I explored, everything I read, every friend I bugged, gave me the same answers.
Again. Frustrated, I refrained from tossing my computer out the window. I opened
a fresh document instead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mental chant began. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Bullet points. Bullet
points. Bullet points</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It would not go away</b>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>What are you waiting
for? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAWGhTtrAJ_V3_MSS6Uk0bXqD8YD8DBXBcw_NTFu1swoLj_BJKAtVoMAPCwKnkaN-38qJnAcVPcLZgmiuOEiWIMGwTRI9fOjOPKArIbB0i8Wh57guZIaD8suXouIod7u4m2aIJFRaDg4/s1600/thinkingcap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAWGhTtrAJ_V3_MSS6Uk0bXqD8YD8DBXBcw_NTFu1swoLj_BJKAtVoMAPCwKnkaN-38qJnAcVPcLZgmiuOEiWIMGwTRI9fOjOPKArIbB0i8Wh57guZIaD8suXouIod7u4m2aIJFRaDg4/s200/thinkingcap.gif" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=I%27m+thinking&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=i%27m+thinking&sc=8-12&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=35F0CE7C8AAE2FF89B7D1693FB6031FAE6653E3A&selectedIndex=62">~ at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seemed too simple. Too easy. Yet, I’d tried everything
else... What did I have to lose?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But, wait! </b>First
let’s make sure we understand what a synopsis is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dictionary.com: <i>a brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play…</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Really? Well,
that’s helpful. <i>Not!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merriam Webster on-line: <i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative
or treatise)<strong>:</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-variant: small-caps;">ABSTRACT </span></i>… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That definition is supposed to help? Seems a little… um…
abstract, don’t you think? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s turn to fellow writers:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A synopsis is <b><i>like</i></b> a summary, but it’s <b><i>not</i></b>
a summary.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s <b><i>like</i></b> a longer version of the back
cover blurb except you give the ending away.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a chapter by chapter outline of your novel, but must fit
on one or two pages.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s <b><i>like</i></b> telling your best friend about
a movie or a book…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These descriptions are great except for one thing. They
don’t tell you <b><i>how</i></b> to write a synopsis. It’s all very abstract and this is one
time writers <b><i>need</i></b> the concrete. What is a synopsis? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ulOeaKqExpQdwKrxgOhiEUV9sKXpOy-aAMr3e-804I8OUxnY_zDpckGv1bwLXYRYhEgA7OAlgjdpJY8j2wqLEJ9ZfwUlOmE5OcZPEzeE0DsvH1Au_uTzakPlA6dntRtoP9waPAgqf4/s1600/pulling-out-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ulOeaKqExpQdwKrxgOhiEUV9sKXpOy-aAMr3e-804I8OUxnY_zDpckGv1bwLXYRYhEgA7OAlgjdpJY8j2wqLEJ9ZfwUlOmE5OcZPEzeE0DsvH1Au_uTzakPlA6dntRtoP9waPAgqf4/s320/pulling-out-hair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pulling+own+hair&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=pulling+own+hair&sc=4-15&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=B8E04E2E4D6C915D48A075FFBBF55AD48D3B68C9&selectedIndex=5">a photo on Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Linnette’s definition: <b><u>a
1-2 page outline which <i>briefly</i> and <i>technically</i> tells (yes, I said <i>tells</i>) your <i>entire</i> novel in a way that <i>appeals</i>
to an editor.</u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you do that? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I know! I know!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Here we go! Finally!</b>
<b>It’s time to stop the synopsis-go-round!</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Linnette’s Three Simple Steps to a Successful Synopsis:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*FYI: keep in mind your MS does not have to be complete. You
should know the highlights and ending of your novel. You see the story play out
in your head. Let that guide you, remembering that you’re not tied down to your
synopsis. If your story veers, you can always tweak it once your MS is
complete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) <b><i>Bullet points!</i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2prG_lUBCgyBnGv8M8yNNtNWizH5nDqK-ART-Ozh1rmwPMK1NwC9nKc929nIwnxhC5NQdL93gmFrRdSf6Z1mIlLvyFcunLGuFcwOrL5KCXhuSp4_r-JXQ3YtRWX2GWmltu6nLM63o3us/s1600/I-love-bullet-points.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2prG_lUBCgyBnGv8M8yNNtNWizH5nDqK-ART-Ozh1rmwPMK1NwC9nKc929nIwnxhC5NQdL93gmFrRdSf6Z1mIlLvyFcunLGuFcwOrL5KCXhuSp4_r-JXQ3YtRWX2GWmltu6nLM63o3us/s200/I-love-bullet-points.png" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bullet+points&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=bullet+points&sc=8-13&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=28221FACE5057E5B9AA6E1A152ED3D48F5D128D0&selectedIndex=40">at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Start at the beginning of your story and type specific, concise, brief bullet points. </i><u>No bullets</u>, please. They’re too painful to remove:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace escapes town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace runs out of gas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max rescues her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace finds answers in the Rockies and a new friend in Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace’s dad is hospitalized.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace flies home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace sees Joe and breaks off their engagement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe refuses to accept the break-up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace reunites with her parents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace and her mom visit her best friend, Tammy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe follows them home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The police chase Joe off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max drives Grace’s car to <st1:place w:st="on">Kansas City</st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max meets with Grace’s parent’s approval.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe gets into Grace’s parents house and threatens her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max chases Joe off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace spends time with her parents, Tammy, and Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe stalks Grace and Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace files a restraining order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GTCfAGdFqjOd2u4w3cc_tM1vfK26aDAgejGTig4KJSKTc1e1ube_H75Fyn43MrsKavGfmS8Z5ax-LUu2n07qiLXZYuxGAPxYN25pr6o9Cz6_wRWACXpi1fUUmDswENWPMCfhtfjuOSE/s1600/warningL.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GTCfAGdFqjOd2u4w3cc_tM1vfK26aDAgejGTig4KJSKTc1e1ube_H75Fyn43MrsKavGfmS8Z5ax-LUu2n07qiLXZYuxGAPxYN25pr6o9Cz6_wRWACXpi1fUUmDswENWPMCfhtfjuOSE/s200/warningL.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=warning+signs&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=warning+&sc=8-8&sp=1&sk=#view=detail&id=F1F303D45AF7EF062A513636953C39A83B472582&selectedIndex=0">at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warning:</b> When you
start listing your points, you’ll be tempted to summarize. <b><i>Don’t.</i></b> You might be
tempted to list every little thing that happens – especially if your MS is
complete. <b><i>Don’t.</i></b> You might be tempted to write long, run on sentences for
your bullet points. <b><i>Don’t. </i></b>If you need to, limit yourself to up to 6, 8, 10, or 12
words per bullet point. The key words in step one are <b>specific, brief, and concise</b>. List the <b><i>main</i></b> points - things that
make up the bare bones without leaving holes. Example: there are several things
that happened in the Smokies, but I summarized them with, “Grace finds answers
in the Smokies and a new friend in Max.” Listing every single thing that
happened will frustrate you and the editor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2)<b><i> String the bullet points together into
paragraphs.</i></b> It’s easy. I simply backspace, space, and indent. No deleting,
cutting, or pasting required (unless you used bullets).<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvK2czURTA5FqRIImF_y7qi4J6A_qWEVQK4y0zIIK5BdT9bcrLnEb4Ro9OknCJ-itJK3vqrYTGUt8HyTxeMFz8LDy8LHrpl1XesXqPngg4fUr5qrvQ9pSKU0XEDf_ZCdEkHE1G5lcCo/s1600/string+phone+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvK2czURTA5FqRIImF_y7qi4J6A_qWEVQK4y0zIIK5BdT9bcrLnEb4Ro9OknCJ-itJK3vqrYTGUt8HyTxeMFz8LDy8LHrpl1XesXqPngg4fUr5qrvQ9pSKU0XEDf_ZCdEkHE1G5lcCo/s200/string+phone+cartoon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=string+phone&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=string+phone&sc=8-12&sp=1&sk=#view=detail&id=29F589E633274141C3CAE07E23E3AB51664F2EF7&selectedIndex=3">at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Grace escapes town. Grace runs out
of gas. Max rescues her. Grace finds answers in the Rockies and a new friend in
Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Grace’s dad is hospitalized. Grace
flies home. Grace sees Joe and breaks off their engagement. Joe refuses to
accept the break-up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Grace reunites with her parents. Grace
and her mom visit her best friend, Tammy. Joe follows her home. The police
chase Joe off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Max drives Grace’s car to <st1:place w:st="on">Kansas City</st1:place>. Max meets
with Grace’s parent’s approval. Joe gets into Grace’s parents house and
threatens her. Max chases Joe off. Grace spends time with her parents, Tammy,
and Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Joe stalks Grace and Max. Grace
files a restraining order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) <b><i>Edit and fill in details to make it coherent,
smooth, and appealing.</i></b> Make sure your opening sentence hooks and your
final sentence brings closure (my example is not complete – can’t give away the
end :D) :</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISlTzAdyyjgwazry1yO6hjH8bEEA22ZFP8NlUXf7mXW5N8TUHyK1uQNx-4iyd5G-AFVFEA4XddtghVf6C2YtNiDzbXSVPO2EVX2YVWR-JvQW14jPygITpvKC0Y-YyELijHSgXk1wPijg/s1600/editing-video.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISlTzAdyyjgwazry1yO6hjH8bEEA22ZFP8NlUXf7mXW5N8TUHyK1uQNx-4iyd5G-AFVFEA4XddtghVf6C2YtNiDzbXSVPO2EVX2YVWR-JvQW14jPygITpvKC0Y-YyELijHSgXk1wPijg/s200/editing-video.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=editing&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=editing&sc=8-7&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=51EB3ADEF75F74EC832C3151703A7F07D54357B5&selectedIndex=49">at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Synopsis</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Grace Smith flees town to escape
her manipulative fiancé, Joe Riddle, and the guilt over (her brother) Josh’s
death. Max Jones rescues her when she runs out of gas. She finds solace and
answers to her confusion in the Roc<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">ky</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype></st1:place>, as well as a
new friend in Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
A week and a half later, Grace’s
dad is hospitalized and she boards a plane home. Defying hospital jitters from
when her brother died, she heads straight for the intensive care unit. She
finds Joe there and, though she breaks up with him, he threatens her,
emphasizing it’s not the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
She reunites with her parents in
the IC unit. Afterward, she and her mom visit her best friend, Tammy. When Joe
tails Grace and her mom as they leave, Grace calls the police and they chase
him off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Max returns Grace’s car to <st1:place w:st="on">Kansas City</st1:place>. He meets her
parents and gains their approval. Joe gets into Grace’s home and threatens her,
but Max runs him off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When Grace and Max find Joe
stalking them a couple days later, Max calls the police. Grace files a restraining
order and Joe lays low – even skipping Church. …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p>Ah! Success at last!</o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VJzKq9hww-eNWBAuZpLug7aPRt_AVensah9wslRcKjC_ckGBk7Wpuagq6XAXBKeK_8Al_YIDf0t4cpQ5M88k3zdpo2IndGBdq4qByik1S3zr5H7mzBP3_F8pkGUNHPU89iixPbFnlVk/s1600/snoopy_happy_dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VJzKq9hww-eNWBAuZpLug7aPRt_AVensah9wslRcKjC_ckGBk7Wpuagq6XAXBKeK_8Al_YIDf0t4cpQ5M88k3zdpo2IndGBdq4qByik1S3zr5H7mzBP3_F8pkGUNHPU89iixPbFnlVk/s200/snoopy_happy_dance.jpg" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=snoopy+dance&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=snoopy+dance&sc=8-11&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=D0DDAAE275E7F9A113525995410E63F761619B8A&selectedIndex=4">at Bing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Final note:</i></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the outset, this might seem daunting, tedious, and like
it’s going to take forever. You may wonder if it’s going to fit on one page. Keep
at it. Not only did mine fit on one page, but after final paragraphing,
editing, and adding filler, my <b><i>synopsis</i></b> fit. It didn’t take as long
as I thought, either and it was almost… (Dare I say it?) fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think? Sound too good to be true? Try it. Or if
you already have a successful synopsis writing method, would you mind sharing?
I’d love to hear what does or doesn’t work for you :D</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://linnettemullin.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1Ri-CJxXEDVX2hLdFMFXeL61UXbsZPoDUTqxFwrlIn37fKVDENGc5_ny-ghX0bmhPgvExDcmBZdVDKxTlKf-kHdXAQtmBadJNWPx8gV3Z9TenJnOHsEzJ1t93kKeIdtY3TMEWfeDEWg/s200/LinnetteMullin-5x7.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~<a href="http://linnettemullin.blogspot.com/">Linnette R Mullin</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Author of Life-changing
Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Debut novel "<a href="http://odysseyinprose.blogspot.com/p/finding-beth-prologue.html">Finding Beth</a>" - Release Date TBA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Visit Linnette at
<a href="http://www.linnettemullin.com/">www.LinnetteMullin.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">You
can also connect with her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linnette-R-Mullin-Writer/23510882491">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LinnetteRMullin">Twitter</a>.</span></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-18948413365541511412012-12-18T06:15:00.001-08:002012-12-18T06:15:27.349-08:00Linnette R Mullin: Where was God?<a href="http://linnettemullin.blogspot.com/2012/12/where-was-god.html?spref=bl">Linnette R Mullin: Where was God?</a>: Thanks to Mike Huckabee for saying what so many of us know and what so many more should know. My heart and prayers go out to the ...Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-25952037371846028642012-12-06T15:17:00.001-08:002013-07-13T16:23:50.707-07:00The Real Meaning of Christmas<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite Christmas movies is "Charlie Brown Christmas". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Linus starts quoting the story of Jesus, it just takes my breath away. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When they go into "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", I get chills. In a good way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JQeKdvXliIU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there were in the same country </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shepherds abiding in the field, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keeping watch over their flock by night. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and they were sore afraid. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the angel said unto them, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
f great joy, which shall be to all people. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"For unto you is born this day in the City of David </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this shall be a sign unto you: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the heavenly host praising God and say, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good will toward men!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Luke 2:8-14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. ~ Linus</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What does Christmas mean to you?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Merry Christmas from PCWN!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-65273297271239806432012-11-21T17:45:00.000-08:002013-07-13T16:23:01.783-07:00Happy Thanksgiving from PCWN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRkk-MtfT9BD2AoeiiZ1IQAyUe4Qp0cTss2SnGJxm1t1DCOCQJ4_hoyL7pGChvLIYWdOpbHYhkXhOg-j8xTh2p2ahJCbyPJf5FvPPM3yXlp8-Xk76k6qZoXgrHZUY5xARrQ-KJCkJPk8/s1600/5-IMG_0971-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRkk-MtfT9BD2AoeiiZ1IQAyUe4Qp0cTss2SnGJxm1t1DCOCQJ4_hoyL7pGChvLIYWdOpbHYhkXhOg-j8xTh2p2ahJCbyPJf5FvPPM3yXlp8-Xk76k6qZoXgrHZUY5xARrQ-KJCkJPk8/s320/5-IMG_0971-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"...do not be anxious about anything, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but <i>in everything by prayer and supplication </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>with thanksgiving</u></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let your requests be made known to God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you find rest from your anxieties as you focus on your blessings this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving from Palmetto Christian Writer's Network! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-26996349465737898282012-11-05T10:37:00.001-08:002013-07-13T15:56:31.467-07:00Pianos, Passports, and Politics: Why You Need to Vote...<a href="http://everydayordinarydawnings.blogspot.com/2012/11/pianos-passports-and-politics-why-you.html?spref=bl">Everyday Ordinary Dawnings: Pianos, Passports, and Politics: Why You Need to V...</a>: <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Sans; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24.950000762939453px;">My husband left his country of origin with his parents and three siblings. He doesn't remember; he was only two. But they were empty-handed, especially my mother-in-law, who was stripped of even her wedding rings. They were Cuban refugees seeking political asylum in the United States. It was the beginning of a family, although united in Christ, being divided by political boundaries much like the Berlin Wall. Mere brick or ninety miles of gulf water: so close, yet so far. Only within the last year have the remnants of his extended family been able to get out, some forty years later. Many never saw one another again face to face. ...</span>Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-4326642763413787742012-10-18T02:54:00.000-07:002013-07-13T15:57:47.437-07:00How Much Are Your Words Worth?<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
By Lori Hatcher
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Many freelance writers get paid by the word. The average rate is about 10 cents a word.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbZ4q6BXNK9TQ9-aO7E5SoJuma2zEyYE0BXIzM3Q8kOUp0x33jJ1qSsFTzwOKYtSto97EgxKGzpAQNpuGUJuPebKB9useT1PkPF3q0Hg4bK_8UH9ZXIk8WdqAU2u1fuXYrW2knOiYWrmg/s1600/whalestale1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbZ4q6BXNK9TQ9-aO7E5SoJuma2zEyYE0BXIzM3Q8kOUp0x33jJ1qSsFTzwOKYtSto97EgxKGzpAQNpuGUJuPebKB9useT1PkPF3q0Hg4bK_8UH9ZXIk8WdqAU2u1fuXYrW2knOiYWrmg/s320/whalestale1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m
convinced 19th century novelists were compensated in the same way. I
first suspected this in my senior year of high school as I plowed
through all 900 words of Herman Melville’s <i>Moby Dick.</i> Other students read the Cliff Notes, but oh no, not me. If the assignment said <i>Read Moby Dick</i>, I was going to read <i>Moby Dick.</i> All 900 words of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpXPu1i8dhwOvvzg0hnFii1IRzlBcN34P4A1BbKp35edB5lyS7eVLI4Tjp2aKOuWWtxCvY7xOdSTrr1vafBZrgrD3fZbSq_fxUPMgAy-TNN7uHCB6j0xb_WlU5_RsgJMI_Th1W85QporH/s1600/Whalecabo.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpXPu1i8dhwOvvzg0hnFii1IRzlBcN34P4A1BbKp35edB5lyS7eVLI4Tjp2aKOuWWtxCvY7xOdSTrr1vafBZrgrD3fZbSq_fxUPMgAy-TNN7uHCB6j0xb_WlU5_RsgJMI_Th1W85QporH/s320/Whalecabo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Carlos & Sandy Rios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Though I believe Melville penned more
than a few unnecessary words in his classic novel, we 21st century
writers are not quite so free to wax eloquently. Especially those of us
who are paid by the word. Editors ruthlessly trim unnecessary verbiage
and tighten sloppy phrasing. They cut elaborate descriptions down to
bare bones and hone phrasing until it is a shadow of its original self.
They sift through the sand of the superfluous to find the gems of
genius. They make every word count.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">By doing so, they eliminate the
unnecessary. Only the best words remain. They exchange the flabby for
the fabulous, the milquetoast for the mighty. They take a shotgun blast
and transform it into a sniper’s rifle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">They refuse to pay for one unnecessary word.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Their frugality makes me wonder.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">What if the situations were reversed, and instead of being paid for every word, I had to PAY FOR them?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">What if every word I spoke cost me 10
cents? What if, at the end of the day, someone pushed a button and
generated a tally of all the words I said, multiplied them by $.10, and
handed me a bill? What if I had to give an account for every word I
said?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I think I’d choose my words sparingly. </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4UhWz0jlbjdGix53s14u4lJo5poBSCFvqo4KCb4etKOGyKKhsY1icljnxoLpSTq5vM-N6mBga_O1C7rM07IKtxopJekNFgXDNfWCJXqyq1GOyQwgIvcxVON6MLyo9nBZCoRAsL3caDj/s1600/talking.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4UhWz0jlbjdGix53s14u4lJo5poBSCFvqo4KCb4etKOGyKKhsY1icljnxoLpSTq5vM-N6mBga_O1C7rM07IKtxopJekNFgXDNfWCJXqyq1GOyQwgIvcxVON6MLyo9nBZCoRAsL3caDj/s320/talking.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJXsYoJTKvMdVs7dSQcFuf_v9wduSsmBagGGB5zzS5tVZFmTUPrH0huI20tAfmlPui8BHWOlhoHrf6LxKJdYBWxO9iief7UawMCZij67S6xFfJKUicfiGP0zwsnjBFnLuQey9N3XxKV5K/s1600/yelling.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJXsYoJTKvMdVs7dSQcFuf_v9wduSsmBagGGB5zzS5tVZFmTUPrH0huI20tAfmlPui8BHWOlhoHrf6LxKJdYBWxO9iief7UawMCZij67S6xFfJKUicfiGP0zwsnjBFnLuQey9N3XxKV5K/s320/yelling.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> I’d only say those that were necessary,
timely, and prudent. I’d choose the absolute best words to convey my
message. I’d listen closely to others to be sure I didn’t waste words
with an inappropriate response.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I’d minimize unnecessary tirades, too, because goodness knows I use lots of words when I lose my temper. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b> God’s Word tells us that one day we will give an accounting for the words we speak.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">“But I tell you that men will have to
give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have
spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you
will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Knowing this makes me want to choose my words carefully. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">At the end of the day, what would your bill be?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak,” (James 1:19). </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Will you join me today in choosing our words wisely?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ-LG42jJj2hnAH6bTSKCbKVg2nJJcRwEY67RXOCsq2m1-V7G1jTfITAeGn0Q8ZY6v2C6J-aD0hsb9OaHS8_XGHUv6KniVHgx4mH1c7akioEzg3mq22PCTjHBcIZEsW90SPPc1pU-Ztwo/s1600/Lori+Hatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ-LG42jJj2hnAH6bTSKCbKVg2nJJcRwEY67RXOCsq2m1-V7G1jTfITAeGn0Q8ZY6v2C6J-aD0hsb9OaHS8_XGHUv6KniVHgx4mH1c7akioEzg3mq22PCTjHBcIZEsW90SPPc1pU-Ztwo/s200/Lori+Hatcher.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Lori Hatcher is the editor of <a href="http://www.reachoutcolumbia.com/"><i>Reach Out, Columbia</i></a> magazine and the author of the devotional book, <i><a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/lori-hatcher/joy-in-the-journey-encouragement-for-homeschooling-moms/paperback/product-20427200.html">Joy in the Journey - Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms</a> </i>and the blog, <a href="http://www.lorihatcher.com/">Be Not Weary</a> (www.lorihatcher.com). </span>Lori Hatcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11675180460653949981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-68066402679839395152012-10-11T06:17:00.001-07:002013-07-13T16:22:24.300-07:00It's Here!<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> starts in less than three weeks!<br />
<br />
Now, I'm not a novelist, mind you. <br />
<br />
But some of us are. <br />
<br />
And this is a perfect opportunity to write alone or in quasi-community during the month of November while others all over the place are also pecking out their 50,000+ word tales too.<br />
<br />
What could be more fun and nerve-wracking?<br />
<br />
Let us know on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palmetto-Christian-Writers-Network/134405679969599" target="_blank">our facebook page</a> or in the comments if you decide to go for it.<br />
<br />
The rest of us will be rooting you on.<br />
<br />
<h1>
NaNoWriMo<br />Begins In</h1>
<div class="countdown" id="countdown">
<div class="time">
20:14:49:43</div>
<div class="note">
(days:hours:minutes:seconds)</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
On your mark...<br />
<br />
Get set...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo !!</a>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14094197945284879330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-14280659307224645842012-10-07T20:22:00.001-07:002012-10-07T20:22:26.350-07:00An Everlasting Fragrance by Buffy Crabtree<a href="http://wow-xroads.blogspot.com/2012/10/an-everlasting-fragrance-by-buffy.html?spref=bl">WOW--Writing On the Word: An Everlasting Fragrance by Buffy Crabtree</a>:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I used to sell wonderful fragrances, direct from Paris. There were sweet florals, citrus tones, woody notes, and fruity aromas.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>No one’s finger was to touch the opening of the sample bottles</i></b> so the fragrance inside, balanced with the finest oils, would remain pure. A mouette, gently dipped into each delicate blend allowed a client to choose just the right scent for herself. It absorbed the fragrance which was applied to a prospect’s pulse points - the wrist or just beneath the ear lobe creating an aromatic scent, <i><b>unique to each individual.</b></i> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">One could choose...</span>Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-59107690221936863612012-10-02T03:54:00.003-07:002013-07-13T16:20:05.386-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8T6N9NjfTuUbrEuO8b9rarJ6jCenGdhuAPi_n-WS_Iidd3sSuLpcxvdC1NBxqIcj6l394UusbldPyEBopd1P6tJaw-YCVMgqB81JL1ENnFof2ltTqhz2y2p5oFr0gwKMDAC1b6WJR-JVX/s1600/Falling+in+Love+with+You+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8T6N9NjfTuUbrEuO8b9rarJ6jCenGdhuAPi_n-WS_Iidd3sSuLpcxvdC1NBxqIcj6l394UusbldPyEBopd1P6tJaw-YCVMgqB81JL1ENnFof2ltTqhz2y2p5oFr0gwKMDAC1b6WJR-JVX/s320/Falling+in+Love+with+You+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a good love story?</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How about 42?</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">In <i>Falling in Love with You, </i></span></b><span style="font-size: large;">OakTara's collected 42 of the most amazing love stories from around the globe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When PCWN member Lori Hatcher heard about the writing contest surrounding this book, she immediately thought of her friends Carlos and Sandy Rios. They agreed to let her write their story, and here it is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Missionaries to Mexico, their love story is one of the most amazing you'll ever read. It spans death, depression, and 9,000 miles -- none of which could stop the hand of God in bringing these two lovers together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A must read for everyone who loves a good love story.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shop for this book at <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://store.oaktara.com/">http://store.oaktara.com/</a>
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>Lori Hatcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11675180460653949981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-80649981974638286712012-09-28T09:02:00.001-07:002013-07-13T15:58:21.631-07:00What Matters by Janey Goude<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Each comment stung a little more than the last.</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">They weren’t trying to be mean. Their teasing was all in good-natured fun, but the jests struck at the core of who I am: a physical therapist and a writer. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">They also threw in a few remarks about my love of taking pictures. I felt small and worthless. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I scolded myself for throwing a pity party, tugged on my bootstraps, and took control of my thoughts. ...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">For the rest of the story, click: <a href="http://wow-xroads.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-matters-by-janey-goude.html">Wow ~Writing on the Word</a></span><br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Janey Goude and her husband of twenty-one years homeschool their four children, ranging from elementary school to high school. She enjoys exploring God’s open doors in writing, editing, and collaboration. Read her blog, <a href="http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/pt_4/default.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Community Advance</a>.</span></i>Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-3827795362202579462012-09-18T08:18:00.004-07:002013-07-13T16:19:16.930-07:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chamomile-Susan-F-Craft/dp/1932158944/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347981237&sr=1-1&keywords=the+chamomile+susan+craft" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvvfDIk_kOnb4exHoOpdDd-bzHSFGHiJMoBJ_oEYHgBp8hcaoS5Vbie5YB1FlO4YkP3EAZxrzrez0O4L1ODTix2YGl4kaV5i8Ubl1HbJaZdOtNyJ9fxilJ0w9kh_DFoU671V3GruitEo/s320/The+Chamomile+cover.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chamomile-Susan-F-Craft/dp/1932158944/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347981237&sr=1-1&keywords=the+chamomile+susan+craft">The Chamomile, by Susan F Craft</a>:</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lilyan joins Patriot spies in British-occupied Charlestown, SC, to rescue her brother from a notorious prison ship. She'll lie, steal, kill or be killed she promises Nicholas Xanthakos, a scout with Francis Marion's partisans, who leads the mission. In Nicholas' arms she discovers enduring love...a home. But that home is a long time coming. Her journey requires she save the life of one British officer but kill another to protect her Cherokee friend Elizabeth. In escaping bounty hunters, she treks miles of wilderness and very nearly loses everything before finally reuniting with her true love.</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Susan F. Craft, author of The Chamomile, a Revolutionary War romantic suspense, has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of South Carolina. Her 40-year career includes working for SC Educational Television, the SC Department of Mental Health, the SC College of Pharmacy, and currently for the SC Senate. </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Chamomile is the fourth book she has authored. The first two were SC State Library award-winning professional works in the field of mental health, and the third, published in 2006, was A Perfect Tempest, a historical fiction set in Columbia during the Civil War. </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Craft is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Palmetto Christian Writers Network, the Historical Novel Society, the SC Writers Workshop, the SC Historical Society, the Robert Burns Society, the Colonial American Christian Writers, John 316 Marketing Network, She Writes, Goodreads, Facebook, and Pinterest. </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Craft wrote A Writer's Guide to Horses, which is available on the website of the Long Riders' Guild Academic Foundation, www.lrgaf.org. The Guide provides authors comprehensive information about horses to assist them to accurately portray horses in their works. </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Craft says, “Researching for my novels brings me the same excitement Alan Quartermain must have felt hunting for King Solomon's Mines. I've been known to spend an entire day in a library scribbling notes from someone's diary, spending a wallet of quarters making copies of maps and old newspapers, and trekking from one book or document to the next with a perseverance Lewis and Clark would have applauded. I enjoy the chase when one clue leads me from one historical treasure to the next.” </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I cannot remember a time when I did not want to write. Somewhere in my attic I have a book, The Mystery of the Whistling Cave, which I wrote and bound myself when I was eight and enthralled with Nancy Drew.”
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I married Rick, who was my high school sweetheart and now husband of 41 years. We live in South Carolina and have two adult children whom we adore and one grandchild who is my ‘bestest buddy.’ I gave my heart to Christ as a teenager and am an active member of my church, singing in the choir since I was ten.”
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Like many people, I have a ‘bucket list.’ So far, I have screamed my way down the Nantahala River whitewater rafting (although the screaming part was not on the list); I parasailed (breathtaking experience); I scheduled a hot air balloon ride, which, sadly, was cancelled due to bad weather (this greatly relieved my sister whom I had cajoled into going with me); and I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream to learn how to play the drums by joining the University of South Carolina New Horizons Band – the clarinet is next, I think, as the percussion instruments are too heavy to haul around. I want to visit at least ten national parks, take a mule ride through the Grand Canyon, ride a gondola in Venice, and visit a winery in Tuscany, Italy.” </span></pre>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbQ3zuCMaS0hF7CkkjkQ-OSWqN1RT37kMJGU4H5IScfyQvP6cPc50oKGIl1ugLeGJ458ZCIywGA3bovagYM7bdcKSoLigq8ZmoNOm8fWbKkxeCBIkKAV0TzMOw7EYS387O9sVtpwuGAo/s1600/Susan+Craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbQ3zuCMaS0hF7CkkjkQ-OSWqN1RT37kMJGU4H5IScfyQvP6cPc50oKGIl1ugLeGJ458ZCIywGA3bovagYM7bdcKSoLigq8ZmoNOm8fWbKkxeCBIkKAV0TzMOw7EYS387O9sVtpwuGAo/s1600/Susan+Craft.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you'd like to know more about our PCWN writer, go to Susan's blog link found in the "PCWN Writer's Links" to the left or click <a href="http://historicalfictionalightintime.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></pre>
Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-76526067984143017772012-09-14T18:06:00.001-07:002012-09-14T18:06:22.342-07:00Pleasures Forevermore: Struggles Lead to Fear or Faith<a href="http://pleasuresforevermoreps1611.blogspot.com/2012/08/struggles-lead-to-fear-or-faith.html?spref=bl">Pleasures Forevermore: Struggles Lead to Fear or Faith</a>: I was driving to meet some friends for breakfast the other morning when this thought crossed my mind, "Our struggles lead us to either fear or faith." I'm sure it's not an original thought...Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436089086945807610.post-44542799812817947812012-09-05T06:03:00.001-07:002012-09-05T06:03:10.462-07:00Deena Bouknight's Writing Life: Sense of PlaceThe first time I ever learned that t...<a href="http://writinglifeofdeenabouknight.blogspot.com/2012/05/sense-of-place-first-time-i-ever.html?spref=bl">Deena Bouknight's Writing Life: Sense of Place</a>:<br />
<br />
The first time I ever learned that term, "sense of place," was while reading "Walden," by Henry David Thoreau, in college. For those who haven't read it, it is a senses story that takes place in the mid 1800s in some woods near a pond in Cambridge, Mass. The point of the first-person account is that we need to be fully aware and appreciative of our surroundings at all possible times. There is beauty, tragedy, and godliness everywhere. The busyness of life sometimes prevents me from focusing; but, when I do, and I search for the senses words to describe a "sense of place," there is joy in that. Sometimes, in order to become awestruck afresh with all that we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, we have to take ourselves to new environments. I recently thrilled at ...Linnette Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.com0