Thursday, January 30, 2014

Writing Contest Advice

Are you considering entering a contest? Or maybe you've entered a contest and are now looking through scores. I have some advice for you.

Back in 2013... (By the way, can you believe it's 2014?!) Anyway, last year, the Seekerville blog gave me the honor of crowning me their November Contest Diva and asked me to share some things I'd learned through my contesting journey. I did, and I wanted to share that here. :)


I first entered contests for feedback when I didn't yet have my lovely critique partners Elaine Manders and Piper Huguley and was way too shy to let my family see my work.

HEHEHE... Anyone who has EVER contested knows throwing your "baby" manuscript onto the judges' examination table is not for shy softies unless they're crazy or very, very brave. In my case, it must've been the former.

The Medicine:

"Your choice is to refuse to listen to me say your writing (plot and characters) is clichéd . . . or listen, admit I’m right, and then invest your time in learning how to take your story to the next level."

If the judge who said the above stood next to me right now, I'D HUG HER. Why? Because in her comments she took the time to see where I wanted to go with that particular story, tell me why my story didn't work, and what I COULD do to fix it! She also gave the encouraging reinforcement and the figurative, well-placed kick to the derriere that I needed to decide if I was going to risk it all to be better or give up on writing all together, because before her feedback, I was at that point in my writing life. (I listened, by the way, and won that contest with the rewritten entry)

The most important advice I've accumulated from contests are REWRITE and STRENGTHEN GMC. No matter how good/strong it is, I can always make it better. And it will likely need to be rewritten again once an agent/editor sees it, so I try to get most of that over with during the contest stage. Also, a necessary byproduct of contesting is PATIENCE and PRAYING. I know both will prove invaluable to me in the quering process--and throughout an author's career, so I've heard.

The Spoonfuls of Sugar:

Positive Feedback - When I know a judge is deadeye honest with me, his/her compliments mean A LOT.

Rhino Hide - To take the sting out of hard truths.

Strengthening Friendships - With writers AND judges. One author friend and I critiqued each others' entries for the 2013 Lone Star final round and had a blast in the process. At least, I know I did. ;)

The Occasional Final or Win - Extra, extra "sugar in the medicine." And looks good on the book proposal.

Writer Growth - If I knew I'd never final in another contest, I'd still enter, because the acceleration they lend to the learning process is phenomenal.

Looking to enter your fiction novel in a writing contest? Head over to the Seekerville blog the last day of each month for their Contest Update. Research the contest judges, fees, prizes, and feedback. Enter, Enter, Enter! Then win--or like me, clamp your nose, close your eyes, and swallow. It will be one of the best things you ever did.

Questions about a writing contest? Let me know and I'll try to answer the best I can.



Natalie Monk writes inspirational historical romance spiced with southern humor and small-town oddities. She is a member of ACFW, a 2013 Lone Star winner and 2013 First Impressions finalist.

A country girl from the time she could shimmy under a string of barbed wire, Natalie makes her home in North Mississippi. She proudly wears the label of “preacher’s kid,” and is a homeschool graduate, piano teacher, part-time portrait photographer, and certified wedding-planner. She loves sweet tea, girl talk (usually about books), porch swings, and watching old movies with her family
- See more at: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year-from-seekerville.html#sthash.iXlyXRcg.dpuf
A country girl from the time she could shimmy under a strand of barbed wire, Natalie makes her home in North Mississippi. Since then, Natalie has grown a few inches (she won't say in which direction) and won multiple awards for her writing in both ACFW and RWA contests. She proudly wears the label of “preacher’s kid,” and is a homeschool graduate, piano teacher, part-time portrait photographer, and certified wedding-planner. She loves sweet tea, girl talk (usually about books), porch swings, and watching old movies with her family.

A member of ACFW, Natalie Monk writes inspirational historical romance spiced with southern humor and small-town oddities. Chat with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or Pinterest.
I first entered contests for feedback when I didn't yet have my lovely critique partners Elaine and Piper and was too shy to let my family see my work.

HEHEHE...

The Medicine:


"Your choice is to refuse to listen to me say your writing (plot and characters) is clichéd . . . or listen, admit I’m right, and then invest your time in learning how to take your story to the next level."

If the judge who said the above stood next to me right now, I'D HUG HER. Why? Because in her comments she took the time to see where I wanted to go with this story, tell me why my story didn't work, and what I COULD do to fix it! She also gave the encouraging reinforcement and the well-placed kick to the rear end that I needed to decide if I was going to risk it all to be better or give up on writing all together, because before her feedback, I was at that point.

The most important advice I've accumulated from contests are REWRITE and STRENGTHEN GMC. No matter how good/strong it is, I can always make it better. And it will likely need to be rewritten again once an agent/editor sees it, so I try to get most of that over with during the contest stage. Also, a necessary byproduct of contesting is PATIENCE and PRAYING. I know both will prove invaluable to me in the quering process--and throughout an author's career, so I've heard.

The Spoonfuls of Sugar:


Positive Feedback - When I know a judge is deadeye honest with me, his/her compliments mean A LOT.


Thick Hide - To take the sting out of hard truths.


Strengthening Friendships - With writers AND judges. The fabulous Nancy Kimball and I critiqued each others' entries for the Lone Star final round and had a blast in the process. At least, I know I did. ;) 


The Occasional Final or Win - Extra, extra "sugar in the medicine." And looks good on the book proposal.


Writer Growth - If I knew I'd never final in another contest, I'd still enter, because the acceleration they lend to the learning process is phenomenal.


Check out the Contest Updates, ya'll. Enter, Enter, Enter! Then win--or like me, clamp your nose, close your eyes, and swallow. It will be the best thing you ever did!
- See more at: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/search?q=natalie+monk+contest+diva#sthash.KddjrmkF.dpuf

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Interview With Angie Brashear




It's Sanctity of Human Life week and I'm so excited to have Angie Brashear over to ask some interview questions and give us a sneak peek at her new book Never Let Go. How fitting for the Sanctity of Life since her books deal with survival in dystopian-esque settings.

Hi, Angie! We'll get right to the interview. Give us a couple sentences describing what you write.



I write fantasy with a strong thread of romance. My goal is to reach young adult females much like the lost, lonely girl I once was. As a nonbeliever for the majority of my life, I enjoyed reading speculative fiction and it was the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis which ultimately opened my eyes to Christ. My prayer is that my stories will do the same for others. I also hope believers will enjoy the Christian undertones of my work.



How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, fresh, tummy-tickler (funny), educational, adventurous, witty, passionate, reminiscent, sweet, forceful, eye-opening?



Because my stories represent persecution and spiritual warfare, the overall mood is dark. However, they are filled with adventure and heart-warming moments as well.



What is the name of your latest book?



Never Let Go will be released on June 3, 2014.



What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it?



The themes in Never Let Go surround persecution and spiritual warfare.



In Never Let Go, Faithfuls stand strong in the face of persecution despite many obstacles, including the continued loss of loved ones. Yet they continuously put their faith in the Maker in an effort to rid the Woodlands of dark forces. The entire story was driven by Ephesians 6:11-12 which says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”



A sneak peek into what you're working on right now?



I’m currently writing the sequel to Never Let Go. Here’s blurb from my very rough first draft…



Laila Pennedy’s breath hitched.



Faster. She had to run faster. Wool cloak, constricting leather jerkin, pounding heart, burning legs—none mattered. For slayers pursued, blades drawn. She raced up the mountain trail. Slobbering grunts closed in. How in all the Woodlands would she escape the wrath of…she glanced back…five—no, six—slayers stomping through a sea of fallen red, orange, and yellow foliage?



Shrill squawks sliced the evening, rippling the auburn sky. Ravens—a terrible sign. As of late, the feathered terrors seemed to follow her everywhere.



Laila gripped the handle of her dagger tighter. If only she hadn’t insisted on scouting the base of the mountain alone. She’d be with Lars Landre. Safe. Less independent, but protected.



She peered over her shoulder, her chest heaving. Slayers had closed the gap. She’d never make it back to camp without help. Maker, please protect me.



WOW! What a gripping excerpt! I'm hooked already! 

Now, about you. Do you work a "day job" other than writing? Is there a secret/technique you’ve found that helps with balancing the writing and working life?



I am the Director of Special Education for nine small public school districts and a mother of three. Both roles, while enjoyable, are also quite demanding. While I’m sure there are many wonderful secrets and techniques to balance writing with a full-time job, mine are quite simple. I pray a lot, eat healthy, and exercise.



Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.



I attempt to blog [smile], though I’ve recently decided to focus my blog on efforts to promote fellow authors. Come hither and venture to other worlds at http://angiebrashear.com.



Now some fun stuff... :) When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio? Why?



Definitely paperback. They’re much more versatile for all of the odd places I read, especially since I love to fold the cover back.

Thanks for such a wonderful interview, Angie! God bless your new release! I'm so excited about it and I know readers will be too!




About the Author:



When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s an avid reader and runner, both of which perplex her husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children.



 
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Let-Go-Angie-Brashear/dp/1938708342/ref=la_B00I9PI0DM_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394155524&sr=1-1




Book blurb:



Laila Pennedy awaits inevitable death. By means of murder. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands, seeking to slaughter those whose faith lies in the Maker. To eliminate the weak.



Her heart pounds. Standing in a line of Faithfuls, the rope pinches her neck as she gazes at her brother. If not for her failings, he’d be safe. Instead he balances on a barrel beside her, a noose chafing his neck. Death moves closer. She flinches with each thud of the executioner’s feet on the platform. Terror snatches hope from her grasp, though she isn’t surprised. For she’s weak, no more than a burden to those she loves—all seventeen years of her life.



Yet a flicker of hope evades terror’s wrath. Found in the blue eyes of Lars Landre, the Chosen. The man destined to lead Faithfuls out of persecution.



So when her brother’s life is taken, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Clan.



Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?





Which of these things can readers can do to help spread the word about this book?

Word of mouth,

Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,

Blog posts,

Tweets/Facebook posts,

Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,

If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,

Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on Pinterest.com,

Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with this book!



Readers can like my page on Facebook at http://facebook.com/AngeBrashearAuthor and follow me on Twitter @AngieBrashear. I also welcome reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Of course, readers can never go wrong with word-of-mouth and book club recommendations. I welcome any support readers are willing to give me.





Natalie Here. Winner of Patty Hall's Hearts Rekindled from last week is SnoopyMcC!! Congrats!!! I'll be in contact with you soon!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Life Lessons


I'm so happy to have Patty Hall here today to share some lessons she learned on her writing journey--lessons that also apply to everyday life. Here's Patty:

Over the last few days, I’ve been wondering exactly what I could offer you in this article. Yes, I’ve learned many things in this writing journey I’ve been on these last thirteen years--point of view, motivation and conflict, characterization and so forth. But recently I’ve been pondering the lessons my writing life has taught me that come into play in my day-to-day world, and thought I’d share what I’ve come to know.


Writing Life Lesson #1


A very wise writer once told me that you can’t eat an elephant in one day so don’t expect to write a book in one. I learned the truth of that statement very quickly, just as I also realized that setting a daily word count, getting those words down was slowly but steadily devouring that elephant. The same goes for building new habits. This year, I’m determined that our family will eat healthier, something we’ve been trying to do for years. But this year, instead of going cold turkey like years in the past, we’re going slowly, cutting out soft drinks this month, excluding breads next month. We may not lost weight as fast as we could but we’re giving our selves the opportunity of succeeding by not taking too big of a bite and staying steady on our course.


Lesson Learned: Consistent work in small bites gets the work done, no mater whether it’s writing or changing life-long habits.


Writing Life Lesson #2


When I first started writing, I loved to talk about my stories, about how I hoped God would use my words to draw readers closer to Him. I look back on that now and feel ashamed of how prideful, how self important I was. That is until I had a friend who asked me what God had taught me through my writing. At first, I couldn’t pinpoint anything, but as I continued to write, I realized that God was using my stories to teach me. My first published novel, the story of a girl pilot in WWII Georgia felt like a love letter, teaching me about my self worth in God’s eyes. Each book that followed taught me something that grew my faith, and I found myself digging deeper into the Bible, setting myself firmly on the Word so that I could keep writing and learning from the stories God gives me.


Lesson Learned: That person you may be reaching for the Lord could just be yourself.


Writing Lesson #3


We live in a world of instant gratification. No saving our money to buy a new car, not when you can click a button online and have it delivered to your front doorstep. Amazon’s even developing a delivery system that can have your order to you on that same day. But with this hurry-up-and-get mentality, we’ve also lost something, that indescribable joy that comes with a job well done. Publishing is a hurry and wait industry. We as writers rush to submit what the market wants, then wait for a week, a month (or in my case, a year!) Rejection is difficult and inevitable with no promises of ever getting the holy grail of a contact. But that moment when your first story is accepted for publication after years of writing and suffering for your work is so full of joy, you feel as if your heart can’t contain all the happiness.

Lesson Learned: Hard work doesn’t bear fruit overnight but the wait is worth every second.


Writing Lesson #4


Before I started writing for publication, I had my nose into everything--volunteering at the local school, leading the ladies ministry at my church, caring for my aging grandparents. When it came to helping out, I was like that old song for the musical, Oklahoma--I was the ‘girl who can’t say no.‘ But when I felt God’s calling to write for His glory, I wasn’t ready to give up all my activities--I mean, who could run the Ladies Group better than me? What about the Christmas program I was charge with at my girl’s school? When I didn’t give up those ‘good things,‘ God worked in my life, taking me far away from everyone I’d ever know, teaching me to rely on Him and the plan He had just for me. 

Lesson Learned: It’s okay to say no to the ‘good‘ when God is offering the GREAT!


What about your writing life has influenced your day to day world? All replies in the US or Canada will be entered into a drawing for a copy of my latest release, Hearts Rekindled


Hearts Rekindled Blurb:

"I'm Here to See My Daughter." 
She never thought she'd see John Davenport again. Merrilee Daniels Davenport's former husband has returned to their small Georgia town after fighting in the Pacific. And now the soldier is bearing a letter from the little girl he didn't know he had. Merrilee wishes that she and her daughter could lean on John's able shoulders, but her new assignment as a homeland informant won't allow it. 

Twelve years have only made Merrilee more beautiful in John's eyes. Back then, he was the proud fool who walked away. Now all he wants is to prove he can be the husband she deserves, and the daddy his daughter needs.