JAN CLINE

I have an idea!

2012-01-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

"The New York Times reported that “According to a recent survey, 81 percent of people feel that they have a book in them…and should write it.” If you do the math, that represents over 200 million people in the U.S. who want to write a book in their lifetime! No wonder self-publishing is thriving as never before!" from selfpublishingresources.com.

It almost never fails. When I tell people I'm writing a book (or two or three) I hear "Oh, I have an idea for a book I want to write someday."

Like it's a new recipe to try or a new dress shop to try out.

The think is....I never used to say that. I never had "an idea" for a book. Not for a long, long time. Then when I did have an idea....I didn't even voice it to anyone. I think I thought it was somehow a sacred thing...a wish like the ones you wish as you blow out your birthday cake candles.

I still don't talk about it much to anyone I meet. I'm not sure why. Maybe insecurity or fear of "the look". Of course it would be different if I were published....wouldn't it?

What about you writers out there? Do you talk up your book ideas or share with many that you are writing?

Conference anyone?

2012-01-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd put it out there again....the Inland NW Christian Writer's conference is coming up March 16 & 17 in Spokane, Washington. It's an inexpensive conference, but you will get so much for your money. Keynote speaker is best selling author Tracie Peterson. There will be professionals from all over the country coming to share their wisdom and offer their services as editors, agents, critiquers and workshop presenters.

Sign up now to get the early bird pricing. You won't want to miss this opportunity.

Go to the website to learn more or to register: http://www.inlandnwchristianwriters.com/.

Hope to see you there! Spread the word!

Jan

Forty years is a long time.

2012-01-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

It's been 40 years since my high school graduation. Even longer since I lived through those years with young people I thought I knew. Maybe I didn't know them so well, but we were close all the same. As teens in those days we shared more, laughed more, dreamed more and expected more from our futures.

I don't think it's the same for many teens today. It's more about living for the moment, and the future seems more uncertain.

It seemed to me that the world of my high school campus was a sort of magical place - a think tank of ideas and exploration. We said what was on our minds, we thought we could accomplish anything and never once dreamed how hard life could be. Some of us knew what we wanted to be when we grew up and some of us didn't. But that didn't seem to matter because we had each other and we knew everything would just work out somehow.

Some of the best kinds of friendships are lived in high school. Some probably thougtht they would last forever. I did. Now I think about seeing all my friends and acquaintances again and I am excited to see how and where they impacted their world - my world. And I can only hope that somehow, somewhere I made a difference for theirs, even if only in a "cosmic" sort of way.

Forty years is a long time. Yet it went by in the blink of an eye. Have I changed? Yes. Have my schoolmates changed? Not in my mind. I only know them as they were. Did we think time would stand still for us? Maybe. And maybe when we meet again, it will seem that way.

Did we become all we were meant to be? I know I'm still working on that.

Did we lose sight of our dreams? I'm still working on that too.

If only we lived in a world of do-overs and mulligans. Would we have a different story to tell when we meet again in June 2012? In reality, all we have is second chances...and this summer will be our second, third or fourth chance to unite and be the dynamic group of people we always knew we were. Won't that be groovy?

Here's to the class of 1972. I'll see you soon.

God bless.

Is Everyone Creative? Why not?

2012-01-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

Will be leaving for home in a few days. It will be hard to leave Arizona's beauty, but there is beauty in our home state too. I have been struck by the diversity of God's creativity as we have traveled these last weeks. One minute we are viewing stretches of dark blue, snow covered mountains and in just a few short miles a whole new landscape appears. Cactus lined highways give way to canyons of grand colors and dimension.

It's hard to imagine the mind of Creator who could bring such animation and grandeur to our Earth and to the universe. But that's what creating is all about....something new around each corner.

Writers can do that too. We bend our imaginations to create new personalities, new scenes, new words of wisdom to share. Each page we write can be a drastic diversion from the one before. We create. We share. People are entertained, touched, changed.

I know this is true with other professions too. We all have been endowed with our Creator's ability to see things from a difference perspective....if we choose. We strive for excellence. We reach out to make a difference to someone else - whether it's through writing, curing, selling or feeding. It's all a part of our creative nature.

What do you think?

Have you ever looked at what you do as creative? Do we appreciate our gift of creativity?

Blessings!
Jan

What do you like to get out of a workshop?

2012-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't it interesting how the bends in the road of our lives often reveal a surprise or unexpected reality? I started out 40 years ago wanting to be a music teacher. But I never finished college. Still I've had a few opportunities to teach a little music or bible study or scrapbooking. But I never dreamed I would be offering any words of wisdom to writers at a writer's conference - let alone directing a conference. It's a dream come true I never, well, dreamed.

I’ve been asked to teach a workshop at a great writers conference in Seattle. I have attended this conference several years and always thought it was well run and organized. In fact, I have modeled much of my own new conference after them.

So I was very happy to be asked to join the faculty for 2012. It will be a great experience for me and I hope I will be a blessing to those who attend my workshop. Besides, I have been hoping to expand my speaking experience and this is definitely a leg up.

I am a teacher at heart so I really desire to convey good usable information in an easy to understand method. The highest compliment for a teacher comes when we hear “This is just what I needed to know.”

So my question to you is what method do you like teachers to use? Do you like power-point presentations, handouts, lecture, Q & A? Give me your thoughts and suggestions. I’m curious.

Is Your Writing a Word Picture?

2012-01-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

We drove through Montana yesterday. The clear sky stayed with us all the way and made the mountain ranges a brilliant blue with bright white snow covering most of them. Row after row of peaks emerged with each bend turned. Mesmerized, I felt as though I had become part of the landscape. Yet, how insignificant I was.

For a few moments, I thought how trivial my pursuits must be. The pull of the manuscript edits in my head disappeared. The unfinished novel in my computer file lost its allure. I wondered why any of us could bother with such dreams in the face of such creative magnitude. What is the use of producing my feeble words of wisdom? How could it possibly make any difference in this magnificent world?

Then a question came to me. What if the great painters of the ages had laid down their brushes? How would I ever know what the Eifel Tower looked like? How would I ever be able to envision the castles along the Rhine river if someone hadn’t taken a photo for others to enjoy? Or how would I have ever felt the welling of a song in my heart if I had never heard anyone sing?

Think of all the emotion art evokes in the human spirit. I could be living in total ignorance of what I had missed if someone had not stirred my soul with a song, portrait or a picture—or words on a page. Those things take me where I can’t go myself.

So there is my challenge. Will I count myself among the nay-sayers, or will I pick up my pen and write what may very well become a portrait to open the eyes of another? Can I let my words be the eyes someone desperately needs in order to see the beauty of life? If only one is awakened to something new and glorious because I write, then that’s enough for me.

I am fortunate to have seen so much of the world. I’d like to show others who are less traveled a picture of life as it could be.

Rewrites...can I do it...again?

2011-12-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

What is it about re-writes that evokes such emotion in a writer? I personally have a love/hate relationship with the whole process. Part of me can’t wait to get started when an editor sends me a page full of red marks and sidebar comments. Then part of me doubts my abilities to accomplish the changes expected for the manuscript.

Then there is the actual mechanical process. How do I go about it? What method should I use? Do I print out the chapter and scribble on the page or do I just stick to my computer screen and wade through it line by line?

Do I make a list of things to check or go with my gut feelings? How much should I concentrate on the technical end of it and when do I just go with the flow? I sound like I’m second guessing myself, but these are the questions that race through my mind when I sit down to begin the challenge of re-writes.

I wish I could say my attitude is always on the up, but that wouldn’t be the truth. But I am learning to see the process as a learning tool, a growing experience and a chance to listen and discern. If I couldn’t see it that way, I don’t know that I would still be writing.

Part of me wants to give up when faced with the job. But I’m glad to say that part grows smaller with each editing experience.

Do you love re-writes, hate them or do you just do it without too much thought?

A New Kind of Christmas Day

2011-12-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas Day alone. No kids, no grandkids. Our Christmas tree is looking kind of sad, two strings of lights had gone out a week ago, leaving a couple of rings unlit around the middle. Then the top section (it’s artificial) won’t stay straight so it tips to the right. The only thing under it is our snoozing cat. The presents have all been opened and the wrapping tossed in the garbage.

We had to celebrate early this year due to everyone’s busy schedules. I cleaned, cooked, wrapped and shopped for days in preparation. Making all the arrangements for who would be here when, took calls and texts and more calls. I felt like I was organizing a large charity event.

Now I sit on the couch, bundled up with my favorite blanket, watching the President’s cup on the Golf Channel. Does it seem like Christmas Day? Well, no. But what does Christmas Day feel like? Gone are the days of the excitement of presents, food and Christmas visitors. Those are the thrills now left for the children in my life.

My childhood has past, and with it have gone the childlike building anticipation and mystery of the day. I no longer have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head – it’s more like a check list of things to get done before the first foot steps through my door. And I don’t worry anymore if I’ve been naughty or nice – no time for that.

I do notice, however, that I think more and more about the realities of what Christ did for us on this wondrous day. I find more pleasure in pondering the divine than I do trying to guess who bought me what.

Things change, People change. Even Christmas changes. But the sacrifice of gaining an earthly home so we could have one in heaven never ceases to amaze me. Jesus made Christmas special this year – and will for all the years and centuries to come.

Am I disappointed about spending the day alone? Nope. I know better. Family comes and goes, but the significance of the day remains forever. How could I be disappointed?

Dare to Dream Guest Post at Blog Schmog

2011-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

I'm guest posting over at Jessie Gunderson's Blog Schmog. Stop by and take a look. I tell the story of how the Inland NW Christian Writers conference was born.

Jessie has a wonderful blog that you will want to follow.

Have a blessed day!

Jan

How do you think of yourself?

2011-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

....as a writer. Do you remember the first time you told someone you were a writer when they asked you what you did? I do. It was scary, ego building, confidence shaking - yet very self-confirming thing to say out loud. But how did I really think of myself inside? Still doubting, wavering and double-minded.

One minute I am sure of my growing abilities and gifts, the next minute I find myself thinking "who do you think you are, anyway?" I know you all have been there. It doesn't just happen to writers. It's the same with anyone who has a gift to use or a job to do.

I recently submitted my WIP to a popular professional editor, who happens to be a friend of mine. He has wonderful unique insight to everything he does. His attitude and way of encouraging writers is very effective. I waited with nervous anticipation for his response to the manuscript. When I saw his email in my inbox, I took a deep breath and stared at it until I had the courage to open it.

Yes, I have lots of work to do, but his words to me concerning my efforts changed my attitude about the work that goes into rewrites. Here is what he said:

"Make your decision to enjoy this. God is. I guarantee it. You are a brave warrior poet. Don't forget it!"

A brave warrior poet? Yes, I guess I am. I'm willing to take my writing and make it better - fighting past my insecurities and doubts. All good writing is poetry. Poetry encompasses the magic words make.

This is my new attitude...Im a brave warrior poet. I can do this job - I must do it. It's much easier with the right mind set. Don't you think?

Weary of Social Media? Put your sandals on.

2011-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have spoken to a lot of people over the last year about Social Media. I will admit I dragged my feet, whining and complaining when I started doing the SM thing. I hated the thought of self-promotion and seemingly wasted time on the internet. I had dug my heels in for a long time. "I'm too old to start this", I would say. "I'll just write what is on my heart and see what happens."

Many that I share my new point of view on this issue disagree with my present position on SM, but I've had a change of heart. Why? Because I have words that God gave me to share. This is just my opinion, but here goes...

What if Jesus had just sat on the hill and not said a word. What if his attitude had been, “If people want to know that I’m the Son of God and want to know what I have to say, they can just come find me and ask me.” And what if we as Christians never put on our figurative sandals and walked the earth sharing the gospel?

Not only did Jesus say “come, follow me”, He sent out his disciples to spread the word. He wanted to share the good news of the Father. He knew his time was limited and wanted to tell as many as He could. He used the only thing there was at the time – word of mouth.

The days of people flocking to the library or bookstore to browse the bookshelves to find a great book are dwindling. How shall we then spread the news that we have words that will bless them? Shall we rent billboards to announce our book’s release? How many billboards would it take to reach the masses? The fact is, we have access to a free billboard that reaches the entire world – the internet.

Some may think that if God wants their book to be read that He will somehow make it so. What does God use to do that? A magic wand? I believe He uses other people – people who use the internet and social media. This is how humans connect these days whether we like it or not.

Here is just a bit of information – a small drop in the bucket of statistics about how people communicate now:

Nielsen’s SVP of Media & Advertising Insights and Analytics Radha Subramanyam:

“Nine of the 10 most popular social networks were dominated by women.” “Americans spend almost a quarter of their time online on social networking sites.”

“What is most surprising to us is the rapid adoption, the measurable reach of social media. Four out of five Internet users. One of five minutes spent online. When you have those numbers and see their scale, it’s staggering.”

“The most popular social network as measured by Nielsen online meters is Facebook, followed by Blogger, Tumblr, Twitter and LinkedIn.”

I'm not saying we have to be involved with all these networks, and I might be tarred and feathered for saying this, but it’s possible that if Jesus came today, He just might use social media to reach people for eternal salvation. He would use it to expand His forever family. Maybe we should think of our platform as just expanding our circle of friends and forever family.

Regardless, I have words and the message of hope and mercy burning in my heart. I will do what I must do to reach that one or two or million who need to hear it. Social media? I get weary of it too. But if that’s the way we do it these days, so be it. I guess I’d complain more if I had to walk the earth and talk to people one on one.

The social media bottomless pit. Are you in it?

2011-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'm "teaching" a class tomorrow on Social Media. I use the term lightly because Im really only sharing what I know - which is only a couple drops in the bottomless pit of networking.

But so many writers I know dont have websites, Facebook or blog accounts. They dont know where to begin and I can at least get them started.

Im not one to spend hours a day on social media. I dont blog as often as I should and I dont post on Facebook more than once a day. I dont twitter at all. I do keep two websites going and as up to date as I can. But I'm learning more each day about this potentially all consuming phenomenon. I dont want to be so distracted by it so much that I dont have time for other important things...

like writing, researching, laundry, speaking, loading the dishwasher...you know.

My question is do you all spend much time on your social media sites? Do you love it, hate it or skip it?

Happy posting!

Organization TIps for Writers

2011-11-22T17:34:00.001-08:00

Many writers like to gather lots of information for their projects. If you're like me you have had piles of printed articles, blog posts and even napkins with scribbling from a brainstorming session at the restaurant.

There are many things you can do to keep yourself organized. Here is a list of a few from my Research and Organization workshop:

Regularly archive and index your files

Don't keep outdated information

Refresh your memory occasionally on what is in your files

Keep track of your sources and hang on to those files a long time

Keep a file, roladex or computer file for names and emails addresses of experts you can call on

And most important of all - BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER REGULARLY!

Now, Im not the most organized person in the world and I let my desk get over-run once in a while. But as a rule I stay on top of things. What's the use of having all this great information if you cant get your hands on it when you need it?

Happy organizing and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Book Giveaway

2011-11-12T18:41:00.001-08:00

Are you contemplating coming to the Inland NW Christian Writers conference in Spokane, Washington? If so, why not register this weekend and win a free Tracie Peterson novel?

To register and see all the conference details go to our website: www.inlandnwchristianwriters.com.

When it Hails I Bail

2011-11-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have been vacationing in the Phoenix area. We sought to take a break from the cold weather and do some sight-seeing. The first few days were great and we settled into wearing shorts and golfing.
Then there was a big change. The weather turned cooler and today we actually had a thunderstorm that dropped a substantial amount of hail.

Not what we had planned.

You just never know when you will get an unexpected change of plans. Just when I think I have my path mapped out for writing, things change....like...

My mood, my passion, my concentration, my ...well, you get the point.

I know we have to stay flexible, but I think Ive gone too far that way. Im tired of saying "oh well". It's time to swing back to more rigidity. For me it's the only way to stay on track even when it hails.

Are you too flexible or too rigid with your plans?

How Can You Ask Me That?

2011-11-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Had to laugh at my husband. I often do, but this was typical of his attitude toward reading.

We were on a plane to Phoenix and I gave him Sarah's Key to read. Now mind you, he doesn't read much of anything except farm journals and world events. Novels are low on the list of reading enjoyment. But he wanted something to read. I love this particular book and thought he might like it.

He reads the first chapter and flips the page to the second chapter where the author introduces a few new characters in the story. As a matter of fact, she flips from past to present with each chapter. He turns to me and says..."Who are all these people? Where did they come from?"

He was a bit frustrated. I looked at him like Desi would have looked at Lucy at such a question. "What do you mean where did they come from? They are new characters for the story. Just keep reading!" I could tell he would have given up on the book had I not demanded he continue.

Then I thought to explain it to him. "It's like when you are watching a movie and all of a sudden there are new characters in the scene. You have to wait for the story to unfold before you will understand who everyone is and how they fit in the plot."

"Oh. Yeah." His tone was unenthusiastic.

"Just keep reading!" Now I was frustrated. I wondered how he could ask me that question.

As much as I love reading and writing, I know there are some out there who dont. In a TV driven world of dummy down plots and characters, I worry that the challenge of following a story with interest and patience will disappear all together.

It's about appreciation and respect for the craft. I certainly hope that when my book is finally published and he finally sits down to read it, I wont hear that question again. I may not laugh this time.

Do you know people who have no desire to enjoy a good book?

Do you One Sheet??

2011-10-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

I just sent a new writer a copy of a one-sheet I composed for my non-fiction book. I hope to pitch this book at my conference in March and then again at the Mt. Hermon conference. I told her that many writers use a one-sheet presentation when they pitch to editors.

But then I wondered how true that really is. I hear writers talking about them a lot, and in the group editorial sessions I have been in, I would say maybe 50% of those pitching their manuscripts hand the editor a one-sheet.

I like handing the editor a little something to remember me and my book by. I don't know if they keep them or toss them, but I figure what can it hurt to have that little extra element to help them recall my face and pitch.

So, tell me. Do any of you writers out there use a one-sheet during an editorial appointment? Do you think it gives any kind of advantage?

Countdown to Conference

2011-10-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Only 4 1/2 months till the Inland NW Christian Writers conference in Spokane, Washington. Those of us on the planning committee are getting excited to finish up the rest of the details for our event. I met with our keynote speaker, Tracie Peterson last week and I know she will bring a great message to impact all who attend. We have so many great professionals coming - if you haven't been to a conference before, this would be a great place to start!

Check out our website to see all the workshop information and affordable pricing.

I can't stress enough how important conferences are to writers. They are not only great fun, but it's where you will learn about the industry and have a chance to grow in your craft. Any serious writer should attend a conference now and then.

Find a conference in your area and start praying about going.

Have you gone to many conferences? What was your good and bad experiences?

Be Mindful...Deovotional Post

2011-10-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Visit my new post at Simple Devotion.

Fall is here.....time to think about resting the ground for next Spring's planting!

Blessings for a great week!

Time to Flip that Writing Project?

2011-10-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have spent the last few days helping fix upa house for friends of ours. They Pastor the church that owns the house. Weworked some long hard hours painting, cleaning and repairing. It had beenneglected for some time and a few people wondered if it could be made livableagain.

Boy, does it sparkle now! It’s been transformed and madeuseful again – ready for someone to move in and enjoy.

I will say my muscles are sore and I’m pretty tired. But itwas worth all the work and sacrifice. What a shame it would have been to letthe house sit there several more years.

I thought about a few writing projects that I haveneglected. Ideas sitting on a shelfbecause I haven’t sacrificed to shine them up and make them ready for someoneto enjoy. I have squandered time and energy on other things that really don’tneed my attention. Those are precious hours that would have transformed thatmanuscript gathering dust on my computer.

Now I remember how great it feels to finish a project andknow I have given it my all. I hope I can go home, muster the ambition and worklike there’s no tomorrow. I know I have words to offer – they just need to berepaired and polished.

Do you feel those unfinished projects calling to you?

Great Personal Growth Ahead

2011-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know why for sure, but God keeps leading me to insights about waiting, discouragement and purpose. Today I read something that spoke to me again. It's by Oswald Chambers:

"...focused on the right individual perspective of things; we have the vision and can say, “I know this is what God wants me to do.” But we have not yet learned to get into God’s stride. If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a time of great personal growth ahead."

I usually try to apply these to all areas of my life, but it especially speaks to me as a writer. I know there are many of us writers who face the wait, times of discouragement, and times of questioning the purpose for our writing.

I can also see how this message speaks to other things more personal for most of us. Dealing with a wayward child, struggling with an illness, confused about a career move - these are all things we can get out of "God's stride" with.

I remember times as a child when I would try to keep up with my father as he walked along. He was a tall man with a long stride. On my own, I couldn't keep up and would often stumble in the effort. But when he would take my hand or even carry me I felt like I was riding on the wind - like I was going somewhere with purpose. I knew there was something good ahead.

Are you ready for some personal growth? Are you trying to keep up with your writing, your home life, your job without holding God's hand? I'm ready to be carried for a while - how about you?

Amazing Awaits...Our conference theme...

2011-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what it means when nothing seems to be happening with your writing?

My first inclination is to doubt.

My first mistake is to lean on my feelings.

My first thought should be to wait with expectancy - knowing my writing has a purpose even if God is silent.

We should be praying “God prepare me to make the most ofwhat you are going to do with my writing.”

Even though the timetable is God’s,we need to be ready to execute the bigger revelation. He may be silent for awhile, but that is our chance to prepare. His silence is often a sign that Hetrusts us with our faith. It’s the opportunity to dig down and grow – preparingfor the wonderful storm that is on it’s way. He gave us this gift. He will not waste it.

It's in His time.

Amazing Awaits.

www.inlandnwchristianwriters.com

Loaves, fishes and my writing

2011-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

We took a little overnight trip the last few days. We stayed at a nice hotel we used to take our kids to. This time we were accompanied by grandchildren. Of course we had to let them play in the indoor pool, which was beautifully appointed with middle eastern decor.

The first thing I noticed was a huge mural on the wall. At first I thought it rather odd. It was a picture of a little boy in Jewish dress, standing on the side of a large body of water. Behind him were about 12 baskets full of bread and fish. His arms were raised and his face followed the sails of a ship across the lake.

I realized I was looking at a depiction of the little boy from the Jesus/Loaves and fishes story. It was obviously the part of the story that went on after the Biblical account ended. Here was a little boy, used of God to perform a miracle, then left with the spoils of the act - a blessing he no doubt did not expect.

It made me stop and think....what did he do with the blessing Jesus left with him? I'm sure whatever he did, he thought of Jesus and how he had played a roll in the miracle just by offering what he had for Jesus to use.

It's the same for me and my writing. I see what I think is just a few old fish and a loaf of stale bread. Jesus sees it as a feast for the masses. Oh, He could have fed the thousands without the boy, but He most often communicates through his people. He can use my words to feed the masses and I am blessed that He has and will continue to do so.

Then I will reap the spoils. Not fame. Certainly not fortune. It will be the blessing of knowing I have been obedient to my calling and that I am willing to offer even my imperfect works to Him.

Are you brave enough to let Him use your talents as they are?

I Can Believe It Happened to me!!

2011-09-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

Did I get your attention?

That's what I thought. Just goes to show you what a little sensationalism will do.

It applies to titles, first lines and first impressions.

It also applies to blogs. I often wonder what it takes for people to want to read your blog. I've been told it's all about content. But what content? Do they want sensationalism, education, information or entertainment?

Or all of the above.

Time for me to take a class or do more research on how to be an effective blogger and earn the loyalty of your followers.

Hmmmmm?

Give Blog Directories A Try

2011-09-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Does Social Media scare you? Sometimes it scares me. When I think of all the time and energy it takes to maintain a couple blogs, two websites (one personal and one for my conference), email, facebook, and all the little things I do every day to stay informed about the writing biz, it can overwhelm me.

I know so many writers and professionals that do none or only one of the above. In reality, who is getting ahead faster? Not sure.

I do know that if Im going to tackle all these things, I need to be better at it. The world of blogging is a job by itself. I dont want to be consumed with it, but if I can get a little more proficient without too much more work, I'll do it.

In researching blogging I came across an article that reminded me of something I already knew about blogs - its a good idea to list your blog in blog directories. People actually do use those things to find blogs in their area of interest. Here are a list of a few you might want to try.

Blog Catalog
Bloggeries
Blogged.com
Spillbean

I plan to add my blog to more directories in hopes of more exposure and increased traffic.
Have you tried any directories?

P.S. K.M. Weiland has a super promotion going on right now. Check it out here.

POVs! How Many Is Too Many???

2011-09-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

An agent friend has been taking a peek at my first novel and the first part of my second. She mentioned to me that I might be incorporating too many POVs (character points of view). I counted and AGH! 5 on the first book and 5 on the second! The trappings of a new novelist. It must give the impression of a bunch of characters wanting to have a say.

I hope no prospective publishers or agents are reading this post. If so, no worries, Im learning and plan to remedy the situation. Ive been told that the stories are very good despite the POV issue.

Still, it's a bad habit of mine....leaning on the POV change to tell the story instead of letting the main characters tell it. (or should I say show it?)

I have read popular author's works that have at least 3 POVs. As a reader, I dont mind 3. I guess I would be ok with more if the story is riveting. But at this point maybe the "rules" are the order of the day. I wonder, do most agents or publishers disregard the number of POVs?

What do you think? How many points of view do you like to read in a book and how many, if you are a fiction writer, do you use in your writing?

Publishing Trends

2011-09-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to do a better job at learning about the writing/publishing industry lately. I figure since Im a conference director I ought to know more than I do so I can carry on an intelligent conversation with the professionals I meet.

I found an interesting article by Sally Stuart on trends. She would be the one to ask! She has spent many years informing all of us who write-to-publish, how to go about making our way through this business. Here are some key points from her article.

Publishers are buying up other publishers - the same for bookstores.
Ebook sales took a 116% jump from January 2010 to January 2011.
The average book in the Christian market sells about 4K - 5K - and many less than 1K.
The average reader of Christian books is between ages 30 and 60.

She states that writers who diligently polish their work, do market research and persist in submitting are still getting published. Good news!

So the bottom line is pay attention and get better at your craft and keep submitting. That's a trend that will never go away.

Do you pay attention to trends?

I need new words....Giveaway!!

2011-09-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

I've been realizing lately that my vocabulary is too limited. I've been lazy - plain and simple. Not only that, but I don't always have a good handle on the words I do use.

As a writer it's important to be forever in the search for the perfect words. There are thousands of words I have yet to discover and I am vowing to make more of an effort to learn a new word once in a while!

Have you ever heard of these words?

Prolix.....means: overly wordy; verbose, tedious

Epigram...means: a short, witty poem

Topos...means: conventional theme in a literary composition

I think I could begin to use one of these. How about you?

Leave a comment and get a chance to win a book:
The Wrong Word Dictionary by Dave Dowling

Be sure to leave an email in code so I can contact you.

Happy word hunting!

Im posting in Idaho today!

2011-09-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Im guest posting at Writing North Idaho blog today. Pleasevisit me there!

A Lesson From Helen

2011-09-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've been re-reading the autobiography of Helen Keller. I read it as a teenager and Ive always wanted to read it again. It's an amazing story as you all know. This child who became deaf and blind grows up to be an accomplished, intelligent, woman of the world.

As I read, I am once again astonished at the strides of understanding this woman made. How she could go from having no language at all to authoring a well written book is such a fascinating journey. I am so impressed by her insight - having never seen or heard so many things. Yet she describes everything as if she were a seeing, hearing person. Actually, she does it better than most seeing, hearing writers Ive read.

I guess it's true about the senses compensating for each other. And she captures the English language in a way that makes you disbelieve she has any disability.

So why cant I do at least as well? I think I need to turn up the heat on my other senses and most certainly my imagination. Im not going to go around with my earplugs in and eyes covered, but I will see some things in a different light after reading Helen's words.

I Want To See You Published!

2011-09-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a Writer's Retreat. A group of ladies who belong to a writers group in our town all gathered on beautiful Lake Coeur d Alene for three days to write and have fun. And we did have fun.

On the last evening we all read a chapter from our WIP to be critiqued by the rest of the group. I was so amazed at the talent of this group. Some of the writing was exceptional - much better than many of the books I read...

Which left me wondering why more talented writers aren't published authors. We need great writing and we need the longings of these writers to be realized. I know how much I want my words to be used, and I am working hard at my craft. But many of these women have "arrived" and I want them to succeed - I want those books on the shelves.

This is the very reason I put on a writer's conference. Facilitating other writers to grow, experience and excel is exciting. Providing workshops presenters and speakers that have the same heart is a goal I think I have accomplished. I know how much I love to learn and how it encourages me to see other writers making their dreams come true. There is nothing quite like it.

I plan to start praying for more doors to open for all my writing friends. We need to break down the barriers and pray in the opportunities. I hope you agree and will join me in praying for all the writers you know to advance in the business and represent God in the bookstores all over the world.

Happy writing!

Website cleaning

2011-08-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with my website again. Since I have been trying to learn more about websites and how they should look and what should be on them, I thought a little house cleaning was in order. I had a lot of things on there that didn't need to be - too much information you might say.

Websites are necessary, I know. But maintenance is bothersome at times. It takes so much time to maintain it, along with a couple of blogs, and facebook. I've posted on this topic before, but I continue to learn new ways to refine the social media in my life.

My goal is to create cohesiveness with everything I use to promote myself. My website should resemble my blog and my blog should look kind of like my business cards and my One Sheet should be a reflection of my website!

But how do I choose what the main design or theme should be. I dont really have a tag line. Guess that's where I should start. I wonder if you all have the same confusion about putting it all together.

What is your formula for making the social media package manageable? If you want to check mine out feel free: www.jancline.net. Just be warned it may not look like that next week - I cant make up my mind!

A 50 Cent Blouse...Worth a Million Bucks

2011-08-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

I had a garage sale at my house yesterday. We live in a large neighborhood that is divided into two sections. The group of houses back behind me is occupied by a large population of Russian folks. I see the women walking in the area in their plain attire of long black skirts and modest tops - always with smiles on their faces.

One of those ladies came by my garage sale with a friend and bought a few blouses I had for sale. One of the blouses was quite loud - black and orange tiger stripe for 50 cents. I didn't think anything of it at the time. I didn't really pay attention to what she bought. She had been to the last garage sale I had a few years ago. I remembered her face.

After a few hours, just as we were contemplating closing up shop, this woman came back. Her husband stopped their car in front of our house and she jumped out. The minute I saw her my heart leaped. She had on that loud black and orange blouse! Not only that, but her smile was as big as it could get.

She trotted over to the clothes that were left hanging on a rack and picked out a couple more of them. As she approached me and my family sitting there, she grinned again and paid me for the new items. She held out her arms to her side and then in broken English she said something like "see, I bought this from you." The joy on her face left me nearly speechless. All I could say was "it looks very nice on you." It was as if she couldn't wait to show me.

My husband brought the incident up to me again this morning. He said "it doesn't take much to impress some people, does it?" At that moment I envied the little lady her enthusiasm for such a small thing. I had to ask myself when was the last time I took such pleasure in something so seemingly unimportant.

It was an unattractive blouse - that's why I got rid of it. But on her it looked marvelous.

I'll be thinking of that woman today. I'll try to be thankful for the little things and not be ashamed to show it.

What will you "wear" today that will give you such joy? Keep it simple - maybe 50 cents worth.

It's Harvest Time again...

2011-08-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

Katie Ganshert posted on her blog this morning about the title on her debut novel. She tells me the story centers around a farm. I'm so glad to hear it. You see, it's harvest time for us on our farm. My husband will be out there today on his combine cutting the wheat and taking it to the grain storage to be marketed.

It's a fun time of year. I love the smell of fresh cut stubble and dusty wheat kernels in the hopper. It tells me that the cycle of life is ready to begin again. He planted the crop last fall and it made it through the winter to grow tall through the spring and summer. Each year brings it's own challenges. Farming is not for the faint of heart.

We never know what kind of crop we will get. Will it be thin, light kernels or will the heads be heavy with fat wheat? Will there be lots of weeds mixed in the crop, or will it be free from the infiltrating, life robbing trash of unwanted plants. Did we get enough water this spring, or is was it so dry that the plants wont produce?

So much to relate to life.

Does the hard, cold winter get to you? Are you taking in enough nourishment to reap a fat fruit? Have you let weeds choke your true purpose?

Yes, it's harvest time. It's time to reflect. Will you have regrets or will you be thankful for the bounty?

Times like this make you think...

2011-08-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

A new writer friend of mine is in the hospital fighting for her life. She and her husband and four children were hit head on last night while driving home. She was the most injured of the bunch - the other driver had evidentally been drinking and hit them. My heart goes out to them.

Alyssa came to the writers retreat I hosted several weeks back and brought her sweet personality and sensitivity to writing. She has the passion to be a good writer.

I wonder how I would react if my writing were suddenly inturrupted by a life-threatening accident. It's often the tragedies in life that push us to write stronger and with renewed drive. I pray that will be the case with my friend. If she gets through this she will have another story to tell. I know God will give her the courage to do it.

Have you ever thought about life dealing you a bad break? Would you write about it?

Please pray for my friend.

Cool link for slang....

2011-08-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

www.alphadictionary.com

Found this site recently. Any of you fiction writers out there could maybe use a resource for American slang. I know I have used it already and will in the future for sure.

Another great link is http://www.creativity-portal.com.

It's always fun to find new sites that can help us with our writing, networking, marketing and just fun stuff.

Enjoy.

How are you going to publish?

2011-08-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

"Between 2008 and 2010, as many customers have transitioned to shopping online and e-books sales have grown exponentially, online retail has become a major segment for book publishers." paidcontent.org

I have put off thinking about e-books and the possibility of producing my future projects that way. I am an avid "hold it in your hand and smell the print on the page" kind of reader.But I know it's coming my way. Im going to have to catch up with the new millennium. It seems that all the publishing sites are filled with articles about how self-publishing and e-books are the wave of the future.

Im ready to consider it. If that's the way to reach people with the message God has given me, so be it. Who am I to say there is only one way to publish?

For now I will continue to submit to agents and editors, but I know that by the first of the year I want to make a decision about publishing. If I haven't yet caught the eye of the publishing world I will most likely self-pub. As I am speaking more and more, I find I really want to have book in hand to share and have for sale. Im 57 years old and dont want to wait - (unless God thinks I should.) :)

What about you? Are you considering e-book or self-pub or both? Are you in a bit of a hurry like me or are you willing to wait all the time it takes to go through traditional publishing?

Speaking of platforms, Im speaking!

2011-08-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I begin three days of speaking at four different locations and groups. It will be a sort of marathon and Im feeling a bit nervous. But that's ok - my choir teacher always told me it's good to be a little nervous - keeps you on your toes.

My first stop is several hours away and Im dragging my husband along. Poor guy will be the only man there most likely. He's a good sport to go so he can video my talk and run the sound for my song. Good moral support too.

I have been dreaming of speaking for some time now. It's important to build that elusive author's platform. So now it begins - brick by brick I will build it. Im a late starter, but that doesn't mean much if it's in God's plan for my life. All this networking, marketing and learning the writing/publishing world is intimidating. Just when I think I know a good deal about it I read another blog post or article that sends me back to the end of the line. I want to be prepared for the day when I will be marketing a book, but at the same time I tremble at the thought.

But I will go on speaking and blogging and facebooking. I figure that it's never in vain. How can it be a waste of time when you gain so many friends and learn so much? It's a privilege to be in the group of aspiring authors, hardworking publishers, honest editors and others who love this industry.

So back to my speaking tour - a step toward the dream. What's your next step toward yours?

The Value of the Prize

2011-08-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

I participated in a church service in the park last Sunday,playing my piano and singing. Our long-time Pastor friend preached a greatmessage. He talked about I Corinthians 9. The main point being Paul’sadmonition to keep our eye on the prize.

But what is the prize and why is it important?

Everyone has a different goal or race to run, but we mustalways remember that we are running to win. Nothing less than first place willdo. It’s hard work and feeling sorry for ourselves will only stop us fromattaining the excellence that moves us forward to our goal.

But we are more likely to advance when we understand thevalue of the prize. It must have value if it is to give us the meaning we alllong for.

What is your prize and what value does it hold for you? Isit publication for your book? Is it finally landing that perfect speakingopportunity? If the prize is valuable enough, you will hold it near and dear toyour heart and never let it leave your sight.

This is how we succeed – by valuing the prize.

2011-07-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

I watched a tragic movie again today that Ive seen many times. There is a line spoken toward the end that grabs me every time. The narrator was speaking about one of the main characters, explaining how this man had impacted the other characters in the story. "He was the rock they broke themselves against."

Now that's a powerful statement. It got me to thinking about my own personal journey as well as my writing. What is the rock that breaks me? Jesus is the rock that I stand on - the rock that sustains.

But what is the hard thing that stops me and breaks my spirit? What is it that I stumble on and end up broken?

I think it is my own doubts and fears. They break me every time. I think that is what breaks many of us.

So we are broken but not defeated, we are scratched up but we still have our words and pen and ink to bring us back to wholeness. And we continue on our journey, using our experience to make us better people and better writers.

What is the rock you break yourself against?

Can I provide a vivid reading experience?

2011-07-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a book that is helping me understand a genre I need to know more about. The title tells you what I mean...Writing Creative Nonfiction by Theodore Cheney.

I don't think I ever made a distinction between Nonfiction and Creative Nonfiction. But I'm learning. Some will say there is no difference, but I think this book helps define this genre in a way that makes the distinction clear.

I love some of the statements he makes throughout the book that jumped out at me. Here's one that got me thinking:
"Other research shows that our most lasting memories are those wrapped in emotional overtones. Creative Nonfiction writers inform their readers by making the reading experience vivid, emotionally compelling, and enjoyable while sticking to the facts."

I particularly like the emotionally compelling part. That is what makes a reader remember you as a writer and more importantly, remember your story - fact or fiction. Isn't that what we all strive for in our writing? I think so. Unless we are only writing for ourselves.

Are you good at creating an enjoyable, vivid reading experience? What would you do to improve that?

Blessings!

The Speaker Speaks

2011-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'll be speaking at several ladies meetings in the next few months. I often wonder what these women want to come away with. Do they want to be inspired, instructed, educated, enlightened or entertained? Maybe all of that?

I love listening to good speakers. I love to learn and I like to be entertained too. But I also try not to have unrealistic expectations. I know what it's like to be on the mic side of the podium.

I always try to give body language feedback. I mean, a speaker can tell when everyone is bored by their body language. Nothing strikes more fear in the heart of a speaker. So I try to remember that when Im the audience.

It's a big responsibility to impart wisdom, courage, humor and information to an audience. I take it seriously, as I do my writing. I am thankful for all the great speakers I have learned from.

Just some thoughts as I prepare my talks.

I'll let you know how it goes :)

Do You Write With Impressive Force?

2011-07-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Trite. I'd never really thought about the wordmuch, but it was the first one that came to mind a while back as I read a newbook I ordered online. I won't name the author or title, but I was bothdisappointed and relieved when I finally tossed it in my thrift store box. Thebook was full of conversation and descriptions that were trite. I was surprisedthat such poor writing could be published, and it struck me that I might be pumpingout the same kind of empty story in my own work in progress. I was mortified tothink that someone might toss my hard work before they even finished readingit. After all, I had just poured months of my life into my book. What if itwere…well, trite?
The Webster’s dictionary says this about the meaning of "trite":..."worn out by constant use, no longer having freshness, originality, ornovelty; stale...lost its freshness and impressive force."

This is the opening of an article I recently had published in the NW Christian Writer's newsletter. I've been thinking a lot lately about the impact I want my writing to have. Most of the time I dont feel I have what it takes to leave a lasting impression on my readers. I dont want to be one of those pages wasters who never learns enough or cares enough to exhibit excellence.

Someone once told me I needed more little successes and to think about doing more small writings for publication. I think that might be key to building confidence. So I dug out my list of places to submit and I hope to make a schedule of submissions for myself.

It will be good writing practice and hopefully a confidence builder. Dont want to be trite, want to impact.

How do you build confidence in your writing?

The Inspiration of our Senses

2011-07-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

A friend posted a prompt on FaceBook yesterday about stopping to LISTEN to the sounds around us. Some of us got off the track and got a little silly with our posts. Hey, it's FaceBook. But he was trying to stir something in us. Something basic, yet profound.

But this morning as I sit in my office I realized how much I have come to depend on the familiar sounds in my home. In my whole life, actually. At the same time, I have taken them for granted.It may sound silly again, but I thought of one of my childhood heroines, Helen Keller. Blind and deaf, she still found a way to use the rest of her senses to understand her world and even show us a thing or two.

Right now, the loud tic toc of my husband's grandmother's pendulum clock is the only sound I hear. In a few minutes my husband will get up and start the coffee maker and the waterfall outside my window will kick on for the day - more sounds I have come to depend on, yet take for granted.

Do these things directly inspire me? Probably not. But the whole of them are my life as my senses bring it to me. And I wonder, if they were taken from me, would I still find inspiration? Would I, like Helen, be able to pull out of the silence the inspiration I need to write a book, travel and touch the lives of others?

I wonder. I hope I would.

My friend is an abstract thinker, I like that. Sometimes that's what it takes to be inspired.

Do you freelance to keep going?

2011-07-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/biz_tips.html

This is a link to a post by my friend Janice Hanna Thompson. She is one author who does it all! She has figured out the freelance gig and is good at teaching others how to reap the benefits.

Many of us could use extra money to support our writing habits. Attending conferences, taking writing courses and buying books takes money we sometimes don't have. Freelancing is a great way to earn and learn.

It's a job that will tax your time, confidence and schedule. But it can work if you persevere.

Enjoy!

Blog Happy Dance!

2011-07-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

I just reached 100 followers! Im so excited....happy dance.

If only we could have a giant blogger party and meet each other. Sharing our stories would take a while wouldn't it? But I love hearing from all of you and I hope we continue this format of communication for a long time to come.

I have developed a new appreciation for the world wide web in the last year or two. Aren't we blessed to have the internet to make new friends - even though it as it's negative side?

I have been astounded to learn how many of you out there share the same struggles and victories. It truly is a small world.

Have a wonderful week and I'll be back with another post as soon as I get back from vacation.

Until then....have you had positive experiences since you started blogging? What have you gained?

Is your seed growing?

2011-07-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've started a book by Sue Augustine titled 101 Success Secrets for Women. In the first part of the book she talks about my favorite subject...having a dream in your heart.

"God is the one who, from our very conception, has placed our dreams within us, along with the seeds of talent and natural ability. He has a purpose for each of us. Along with reconnecting with our hopes and dreams, it is wise to ask the Giver of Dreams for guidance and direction. We must choose to act upon the opportunitites that arise in response to our request for guidance."

I can say from first hand experience that acting upon those opportunities doesn't always mean smooth sailing or happy times. Sometimes following your dream is the hardest thing you will ever do. We don't always know why things don't go well in this process, and we are often hurt by those close to us who doubt or even mock our dreams. Still we must constantly fan the flame for dreams that have been reduced to embers by disappointment or discouragement.

The soil that holds the seed cannot deny it. The ground holds what it holds and has no say in what is buried beneath the surface. It can only hold moisture, surround the seed and protect it from harm. The soil and the seed work in synergy to accomplish the fruit. That's like the dream planted in our hearts. We must do our part to secure it.

Do you have "trouble" with your dreams? Happy 4th!

How Far Should a Writer Go?

2011-06-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to seminars, reading articles and talking to published authors on marketing and branding and everything that goes with it. The more I learn the more mixed feelings I have.

The big push over the last several years to have a business built around you and your writing and speaking is worrying a lot of new writers and aspiring authors. The websites, tag lines, brand names, blogs, books and companion items is enough to make anyone's head swim. Mine certainly is.

Is it possible for an author to just have a book published and do some speaking and book signings and still be viable and successful? I know, what's my definition of success. But I think you know what I mean. Do we have to go all the way with promotions, marketing and business models? I know it all comes down to selling books. But how many books do I want to sell? I guess a prospective publisher would raise a brow at that question.

For any non-writers this all sounds a bit overboard. Some people close to me are wondering why in the world would I want to go through all that legal, financial and social hassle. My writer colleagues would say things like; "because you are called," or "because you have to follow your gift."

But how far do I go? Do I spend the money and hope for the best? Do I wait for a sign from God to take the plunge? I don't dare walk by my feelings and I wonder if there are other writers like me out there who are struggling with the "what do I do now" question.The last thing I want to hear for an answer is to wait and see. Not when all the advice I get is go, go, go.

The experts and high profile authors are saying, yes, you must do this to have the kind of success you want for your books and related ventures. If we want to go all the way for God with our writing, don't we do whatever it takes? Actually, I'm willing to do it if it's the right thing to do, and if I have the money, energy and support.

What do you think? Are any of you out there as perplexed as I am?

Hiding from Friendship?

2011-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Im working on a chapter for my current WIP about friendships. I've been reading up on the subject and I'm so surprised to see the depth of this topic in some other books. I'm learning so much and I have some great information and news ways of thinking for my book.

I've made all my notes and my conclusion is that most of us have no clue how to grow a lasting deep friendship. I heard the results of a recent poll done by Moody Radio about women's issues. Out of 2,300 women polled, half of them listed longing for deeper friendships as the #1 source of pain in their lives.

Wow. That's mind boggling.

Many women hide from friendships due to insecurity, self-absorption or, more commonly, busyness. And most of us dont understand the benefits from developing deeper friendships. God designed us to be relational creatures. These friendships teach us how to better our relationship with God and fill a need that is inborn.

Do you shy away from deeper friendships? Why?

Do You Like Seminars?

2011-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Im thinking of hosting a seminar for social media topics such as Facebook, Twitter and websites, etc. I have a great teacher that could come and give us 1/2 day of super information. I would keep the cost as low as possible but it could get up to $50.

This would be a hands on class where you would bring your own computer and actually get some things done and have take away projects to keep you going.

Would you pay to go to something like that? What if it included lunch???

Give me your input...

Three Questions

2011-06-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

My husband asked me to set him up with a reminder system on his computer for his appointments and scheduled tasks. He says he sometimes forgets important deadlines and wants a reminder to pop up on his screen. In the day-to-day hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose our mental calender.

It's also easy to lose our focus for the task in front of us.

Ive been trying to come up with something to keep me focused when Im in a writing project. You know, a scripture, a step by step formula or something like that. Just a little reminder that will keep me on track. So I decided to follow 3 simple questions about my WIP:
What is my purpose?
What is the plan?
What is the problem?

Sounds simplistic, but these are the issues that get me off track. I forget there is a purpose for each WIP and to accomplish that purpose I need a plan. And if I get stuck.....which is more often than I like....I have to ask myself what my problem is. Is it the manuscript or is it me? Then I can fix it.

So this will be my daily guide - 3 questions. How do you keep going or get a re-start on your writing?

Moving Forward with Writing Dreams

2011-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

I just spent the weekend with 11 women writers who have decided to move forward in a big way. As we sat around the room, sharing our projects and writing journeys, it became very clear to me that God is calling his writers to something bigger and broader. The spark that is touching so many of the writers I talk to is quickly turning into a flame. This is a flame that sparks other flames.

God has so much to say to his children and guess what He uses? Words. Written and spoken words. How else can we communicate the love of God? Yes, a painting or photo can evoke inspiration, but even then it’s the words in our minds that speak.

The realization of the awesome responsibility we have was very evident as we all shared about our writing dreams – the dreams God planted in us.

The time is now. We are the word writers – the scribes God uses to tell the world He loves us. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Personally, I am ready to accept the challenge. Are you?

Writer's Insecurity?

2011-06-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

I started today feeling overwhelmed and insecure about my writing. "I can't do this, God," I said. "Who do I think I am trying to write a book?" I asked Him. Then I went to my usual morning post for My Utmost for His Highest. Here is what it said:

"If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment.

When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do. You did not do it because there seemed to be no immediate call to do it. But now you have no insight or discernment, and at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually self-controlled. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing more."

So I'll continue learning. I may never write well enough to be published, but I have to keep learning anyway. What else is there? There will be days when I don't have brain power to accomplish much. There will be times of doubt. There will be moments of panic and discouragement. My only constant is that God is still on the throne of my life - He knows the desires of my heart.

Blessings for a more confident day!
Jan

Empty Words?

2011-06-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've been learning to eliminate unnecessary words from my precious manuscripts. It's a relief actually. I don't like scrambling to find flowery food for my superfluous stories. I really tend to carelessly choose a lot of words that don't necessarily or meaningfully make a decisive contribution to what I'm truly trying to say. Sigh.

How's that for clutter?

Seriously, (another unnecessary word) I have also learned to consider what information is needed or not needed to make my point. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, efficiency can be accomplished without losing a meaningful story. Each word should support your story. If it's fluff, get rid of it.

I know this may be contrary to what we have been taught in the past. I get confused when I read the old classics full of ornamental writing. That was then - this is now. (duh) So I'm making it a deliberate priority to compress my writing.

How about you? Got too many words?

Who is Your Audience? You?

2011-06-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I never really thought much about my audience before. They have been just faceless readers who wander bookstores looking for something to read. Or they are sitting at a doctor's office and happen to pick up a magazine that has one of my articles in it.

Or they are the women out there somewhere I hope to reach with my fiction and non-fiction books.

But I have changed my mind about them. I know I am actually writing for myself.

I wouldn't write things I wouldn't want to read would I? I can't please all the readers you hope to reach someday. So I just need to write what I like.

We all have different tastes and our target audience may not even be the ones who will read our labor of love. We think we know them. We don't.

I'm trying to write for a higher purpose. I want God's words to spill over on my computer screen. I can't worry about my audience anymore. They are fickle and elusive. They are anyone, but not everyone. If I am writing what I'm supposed to write - the reader isn't my responsibility.

Think I'm right or wrong? What do you think of your audience?

Hiding Part II

2011-05-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

So many hiding places, so little time.

Do you ever find yourself running from hiding place to hiding place? Our attitudes and emotions can keep us on the defense, causing us to slip in and out of showing our true heart. Various hiding places for various issues. We may not even realize we are using up our life by dodging into back alleys to avoid dealing with the things that hinder us.

Do we really think we are accomplishing anything? This could go on for years. How much energy have we wasted on hiding and making sure our facade is in tact? It's a game we should be weary of, yet it has us hooked. It's like any other bad habit - it locks you in and the longer you participate the harder it is to break free.

I decided several years ago to come out of my hiding places. I boarded them up one by one. Oh, sure. I'm tempted to sneak back in from time to time. Life is hard, we lose strength and need rest. But resting doesn't need to mean hiding. Horses sleep standing up - we can too.

The next time you are faced with a situation that makes you want to hide - or an emotion that creeps up on you to knock you down - stand firm. Show your stuff and trust God to give you what you need. If little David could slay Goliath, you can find the same confidence to be yourself - used by God to do great things.

What makes you want to run and hide?

What did I learn at the conference?

2011-05-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

My head is still spinning. I wish I had younger brain cells to absorb all the information, inspiration and wisdom I heard at the NW Christian Writers conference in Seattle last weekend. It was such a great time and I marvel at the way writers support each other.

My friend Jim Rubart gave a great workshop on Ideas with Spiritual Heft. If you have read any of his books you know he comes up with the most interesting premises. But beyond that, he preaches that the heart of the book must be good too. The reader must be challenged and inspired, but also care about the characters and understand the message. He likes the What If way of thinking. I just finished his 2nd book "Book of Days" and I can see that he thinks outside the box. www.jimrubart.com

Blythe Daniel, owner of Blythe Daniel Literary Agency gave a fabulous workshop on marketing. Social media is a big, big thing with agents and publishers. She stressed marketing your book before and after its published. Increasing internet presence is a must, aggressive publicity and keeping up with the trends in publishing is very important according to Blythe. Keep a spreadsheet of contacts and keep them informed of anything going on with your book or writing. Speaking is also a must.

Blythe and Jim will both be at my conference in Spokane in March 2012. You wont want to miss it!

I also learned that this business is not for the faint of heart. Publishers, editors and agents are all behind you - wanting you to succeed. But there are many steps to get where you want to go and it takes hard work. Growing in the craft and staying updated on what's going on in the publishing world will help you on your journey. Learn how to handle, or better yet, use rejection to your advantage. And dont give up.

I hope those of you who have not gone to a conference will find a way to attend one in the coming year. I will shamelessly suggest the Inland NW Christian Writers conference here in Spokane, Washington. I am the director and we have a super line-up for our next conference. It's inexpensive - here is the website:
www.inlandnwchristainwriters.com.

Hiding? Part I

2011-05-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Remember how it was when you were a kid playing hide and seek? Some of the littler kids would hide in plain sight, thinking they were out of view when all along everyone could see them. It was hard to ignore them and move on to someone else. The temptation to expose them was just too much.

Tag! You're it!

So many times in my life I have tried to hide - from God, from everyone. But just like the little child, I never could hide from the One who knew all my places of concealment. He must have chucked to see me in plain view with my eyes closed, hiding away.

Thank goodness He never left me there. Tag! You are it, my child. You have things to do so come out of there and grow up!

We hide for many different reasons - pain, anger, insecurity, fear. The world is a hurtful scary place. But we have things to do for God out there. Learning to trust Him to cover us even in the most hurtful circumstances will free us from our confinement. We are of little use to anyone when our true self is nowhere to be found.

I have discovered, from talking to other women, hiding often starts in childhood. Tender hearts need protection, and hiding is a natural instinct for human beings. Children do it all the time in one way or another. They end up as hurting adults who fill counselor’s offices and Pastor’s studies, searching for answers. They discover that the hiding heart is a silent killer—destroying relationships, stifling gifted minds and discouraging dreams.

It took years for me to discover that my hiding places were keeping me from my destiny. I was allowing life and sin to chase me into dark places, thinking I was safe. I had to take a hard look at my circumstances and the attitudes in which I had found refuge. It was time to come out of hiding. It was time to stop playing hide and seek.

My childhood wasn't horrible, but there was pain, lonliness and worry. What were some of the things in your young life that might have triggered the hiding game?

My first writers block

2011-05-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

This is no fun. No fun at all. Of all the years Ive been writing, Ive never really experienced writers block like this.

What does it mean?

For Christian writers does it mean we haven't heard from God?

For experienced writers does it mean it will pass quickly?

Does it mean I need to drop my WIP and move on to something else?

The timing, by human standards at least, is not good. I was planning on pitching this book at a conference on Friday. But now that Ive lost my focus, theme, purpose for the book, it looks like I wont be able to do that. I think you need those things to sell a book :)

How does something like this happen? Has it happened to you? Were your prayers for a revelation answered?
Am I being too dramatic? Yes. I'm a melancholy Hemingway type.

The good news is that, well, give me a day or two and I'll come up with the good news.

A good night's sleep is what I need. Right?

Calling all brainstormers! Help!

2011-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

I need help. I'm trying to come up with a metaphor for the premise on my non-fiction book. The original one isn't acceptable and I need to revise my MS to fit a new metaphor. Each characteristic of a woman I talk about is assigned a negative layer for each chapter.

What would you think of when you consider the layers a woman might put over her heart to protect or hide herself? I have been toying with layers of cloaks or clothing (metaphorically speaking) or the covers over a flower petal that keeps it from blooming, or a diamond waiting to be dug up, cleaned up and buffed up (but the layering thing doesn't work there).

So any bright ideas with this limited information?

Ah, inspiration!

2011-05-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

I visited Charleston, South Carolina last week. Not hard to see what inspired all those Civil War and Plantation epic movies and novels. The richness of the culture there is enough to create all the Gone With The Wind type stories for decades. Of all the places I have visited in the U.S. I think this is the most thought provoking.

Yet each part of our country has it's own story to tell. The Yukon, the desert, the Rockies, the Black Hills and Yellowstone. What a smorgasbord of inspiration. I love to travel and have been blessed to see many places.

I often wonder what inspires most authors. Is it scenery, culture, people, sun or rain? What about you?

Check out a great online writers group

2011-05-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, once again I have taken some time away from blogging. I've been so busy traveling (Im on the plane as I write) and trying new things that I find it hard to stay on the blogging train.

My latest adventure has been to join a new writers website started by freelance editor and all around great guy Mick Silva. This site is one you will want to check out. Mick is one of the smartest and most innovative people I know and he really has a great many things to offer any writer.

The site is at http://www.yourwritersgroup-beta.com/. You can read all about his philosophy and goals for the site and see for yourself the advantages it could give you – especially if you are not currently connected with a writing or critique group. He is still adding features and eventually this will be one of the best “one stop shopping” tools for writers of all levels.

I hope to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I miss all of you when I am away from it. But I do hope you will give Mick’s site a try and if you do sign up, mention who told you about it. (me)

Blessings and hope you are all well and happy!

When It Rains, It Pours

2011-04-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've often wondered why that expression is used so freely. It does NOT always pour when it rains. Sometimes is just a slow drizzle and sometimes it's torential. But it doens't always pour.

Until now.

It seems that God is opening up the floodgates in my life and all I can do it get my boat out and float down stream with the current. It's nice to have specific direction in your life, right? Too many of my days have been spent wading in a pool of uncertainty. But now, Im living through one of those seasons of clarity and it's really nice. Busy, but nice.

Writers often go through long periods of time where nothing seems to be moving. It happens especially when we are soley focused on our writing, editing and submitting. I think it helped me to finally look up from the page (or computer) and think outside the box.

When I did that, it wasn't long before I was shown all the other ways I can write and be used. There isn't just one way to get where I want to go. Each path is challenging, but might just lead to the goal.

Then there is another goal beyond that one. And another door to walk through. And another bend in the river. But Im still floating. Hands off the rudder! He will steer.

Ever had a writing career change?

2011-04-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's not easy to make changes. Some of us really struggle with letting some things go and taking on new ideas.

I am very close to making a drastic change in my writing "career". I'd like to know if any of you have ever done the same.

For some time I have struggled with finding time for and committing to writing fiction. My first love has always been non-fiction, and I have only been writing fiction for a couple years. Even though I have been told I have promise, I have been re-evaluating what I want to do with my writing time and energy. If I were to actually get an agent or sign a contract, am I ready to spend most of my time pumping out novels? Dont get me wrong, I love fiction and it's very rewarding, if you have the motivation and dedication. Im not sure I do anymore.

Ive been praying for confirmation. I dont want to give up - but on the other hand if Im being called in a different direction, I must go. It wont be giving up if it's what Im supposed to do. So the other day I recieved an email from a local Bible software company. They heard about the writers conference Im directing and asked if I would be interested in writing for their website and possibly some other Bible study related projects. It was out of the blue - it could be the confirmation I seek. I'll know when I meet the company president and staff next Monday.

As writers, we tend to stick with what we know. And we all want to be making the most of our calling.
So have any of you ever considered a genre switch?

Genesis scores

2011-04-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Does everyone have a love/hate relationship with contests? I do.

My Genesis scores came back the other day. As with last year, the 3 judges were all over the board with their numbers. I know it's largely due to varied experience and taste, but it still baffles me how far apart the opinions can be.

I am keeping a learners heart about it - I didn't enter thinking I would have any chance at placing. I know Im no where near ready for that. I only enter to get the critiques. At least none of them told me to find a new outlet for my creative tendencies. I can rejoice in that!

So I will press on and make the necessary changes and leave the suggestions that I think are mere preferences. These judges have a hard job and I appreciate all their work and time to read my MS and give me feedback.

Did you enter? What was your experience?

Question for you Novelists

2011-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

I need to know something. Do those of you who write novels ever work on more than one at a time? Is it not a good idea to start another before you finish the one you are working on? I have this habit of acting on my compulsion to start working on a new story idea.

Is this normal.....what do the rest of you do?

Maybe I just need to write faster!

How About a Writer's Retreat

2011-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

That's what I said. So here I go with another project. I think Im on a roll. First directing a writers conference and now hosting a bi-annual retreat for gals who write.

I found the place, picked the time and now Im up to 9 ladies who will be spending the weekend together, writing, relaxing by the lake, writing, sharing, writing and probably eating a lot.

How good can it get? Seriously, I truly feel that God put this on my heart as an extention of the conference venture. How many times have I heard my writer friends and bloggers say they just dont have enough time to write. Hopefully, this will change that, for a while anyway. The plan is to have hours of uninturrupted writing time wrapped up with some teaching and sharing. The house on the lake has enough beds for all and some very inspiring scenery.

So, have any of you been to a writing retreat? What did you do besides write? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Tell me all.

Have a great week everyone.

10 Thngs I learned at the writers conference...

2011-03-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, besides the conference being a great success, there were some things I learned by being the director:

1. The buck really does stop here.
2. People will surprise you in good ways and bad.
3. Writers are weird. (myself included)
4. If you pray for organization skills God will give them :)
5. You can be stretched beyond your percieved abilities.
6. Being an emcee is fun.
7. Comfortable shoes are very important.
8. Writers want a variety of topics for workshops.
9. Dont' talk too fast when you are conduction a workshop.
10. Accept constructive critisizm so you can make next year bigger and better.

I wish I could have gone to some of the workshops....I was always too busy directing and visiting with the great people who attended. But at least I showed up for mine.

I gained some new friends and it was a blessing to see others connect with fellow writers they didn't know before.

I love conferences, as I said before, I could be a writer's conference junkie.

Blessings.

Winner!

2011-03-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have a winner for the Tracie Peterson book. I had several comments so I asked my son to draw a name out of a bowl. The winner is.......Cindy W.! Congratulations. I hope you enjoy Tracie's book.

I have been wrapping up details from the conference and actually setting some things in motion for next year. I will be taking a break from the planning soon so I can concentrate on finishing up the two books Im working on. I hope to have them ready to pitch at the NWCW conference in Seattle in May. One non-fiction and one fiction.

It feels good to be writing again. It sure is a brain switch. Im not back in full gear yet, but I know God gives the words and He never runs out of them!

Announcement and giveaway!

2011-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to announce next year's keynote speaker for the Inland NW Christian Writers Conference.

TRACIE PETERSON!! Tracie is the author of over 80 books and a great speaker/encourager. She will also be speaking at the ACFW annual conference in St. Lewis this September. If you have never read any of her books - you must! She has great storytelling talent.

The date is March 17, 2012. Mark your calenders and be prepared to come for a great time and inspiration.

Our conference yesterday was a smashing success. Jim Rubart was awesome, as usual, and the workshop presenters gave us so much great information to take home. The day was a blessing to everyone and God truly spoke to us. I know from the comments I received that many new writers were encouraged - the compliments about the conference were confirmation that God had directed me to do this. His promise to guide and bless was absolutely met beyond my wildest dreams.

In honor of my announcement, I am giving away one of Tracie's books "Embers of Love". If you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment with your email address in code (janedoe (at) mail (dot) com.) and I'll announce the winner on Friday the 25th.

Have a great week....I'll be sleeping for a day or so and then it's back to writing!

Only 5 more days...

2011-03-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

...until the biggest venture of my life comes to a head. Im excited, tired, nervous, happy, tired, curious (did I say tired?) and all the other emotions that pop up as I put together the final preparations. For a first time conference I think it's going pretty well. Our attendance looks to be over 50 and with walk ins we could have as many as 60. Thar's more than a well known conference I attended last year. God has blessed us.

So next year looks even more promising....I have just secured our keynote speaker. She is going to be fantastic...yes, she. But that's all I can say right now. I want to announce it to my conference attendees this Saturday first. Then I will share with all of you so you can plan to be here next March. It's pretty exciting news.

So next Monday....it's back to WRITING!!! Yay!!! I have so much catching up to do. I really hadn't planned on taking a writing hiatus, but I just couldn't devote time to it. Now the wheels are spinning and I pray God will restore my creative brain - or at least wake it from its slumber.

How about you...have you ever taken a long break from writing and what did it take to get back in the swing???

Why do we do it?

2011-03-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

It astounds me - the amount of passion and drive that writers have. I am about to see the fruit of my labor with the conference on March 19th. There will be writers there from all over the area and Canada - all wanting the same things out of their talents and dreams. Some will be new to a writers conference, some are seasoned conference goers. All with words planted in their hearts that need to be written.

It's been a fast and furious 5 1/2 months, and there have been bumps in the road. But I know that this will be the conference that for some will define their future in writing. That's what it's all about. I am blessed to have been part of it.

I ask that any of you who are reading this will be praying for God to speak and encourage all those attending. It's so important that we support each other and believe for each other's dreams.

I'll not be able to post again until after Sat, so thank you for your prayers. I'll give the good report when Im back to blogging.

Have a blessed weekend.
P.S. I may have exciting news about next years conference soon too!

Neat Little Book for Writers

2011-03-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

I was trying to find some good books to have at our conference bookstore and a friend mentioned a title to me I had never heard. She isn't a writer, so I wasn't sure she knew what she was talking about, but now that I have it in hand I think it's going to be very useful.

I have a tendency to mix words up. Like affect and effect...stuff like that. So I think this little number will come in handy. It comes in hardcover and paperback, and you can get inexpensive copies on Amazon.

Maybe you have already heard of this or have it in your library. But I had to share my new little treasure - I need all the help I can get.

What are your favorite helps books?

Information and Inspiration/The writer's friends

2011-02-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

Im presenting a workshop at the Spokane Writers Conference next month. It's titled Author Archaeology 101/Research and Organization for Writers. Im an avid researcher from way back. I loved getting assignments in high school for research papers. That's where I fell in love with libraries and encyclopedias.

The two things writers need most when beginning a project are information and inspiration. Research provides both of those things. The opportunities to collect information are everywhere at any time. You never know when you may use a tid bit of information you have picked up somewhere in your travels, whether near or far.

The key is to be aware of your surroundings and gather information with pictures, brochures, pamphlets or by talking to someone in the know. Then organize your treasures so you have them available when you need them.

Research can add depth and specifics to your writing - enriching your stories with personal knowledge. You may learn a lot in the process too. Learn to embrace research and you will be a better writer for it.

Pregnant? You Gotta Read This Book

2011-02-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

My blogger friend, Erin MacPherson's book has just been released. I want to encourage all you ladies to read it whether you are expecting or not. In my opinion, this is the best pregnancy book out there. I have looked through books like this when searching for a baby shower gift, but never saw anything like this.

Erin's style of writing is refreshing and honest. Her information is detailed and touches on everything area of this journey of birth. I highly recommend it.

It's available on Amazon right now so pick up a copy. You will laugh a lot.

Operate in Your Gift

2011-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

Ive been learning a lot lately about gifts and how we all need to acknowledge them as our God-given ability. I have been been working hard to understand that no matter what man may say, it's God who creates and designs the individual to be unique - especially when it comes to our gifts.

Even those of us who strive for the same things - publication, opportunity, inspiration, etc., are unique in our process. As writers, we know our passion well. For most of us, it began when we were very young. We may have put our talents and dreams of writing on the shelf for awhile, but still, we could not un-create what was put in us.

Dr. Caroline Leaf puts it this way: "God has hardwired your gift. We all seek for others to understand us, but what most of us don't realize is that no one else can understand us until we understand who we are created to be."

I'm beginning to get it. The other day I pulled out an envelope with pages of writing I had done in grade school through high school. It was crystal clear that I was born to write. Whether or not anyone else understands, or whether or not I'm ever published is of no consequence. It's in me and I will not second guess God.

How about you? Are you recognizing how God has hardwired your gift?

Words that build...

2011-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today was my birthday. I had lunch with my best friend, my husband and oldest son are taking me to dinner and my FaceBook page is full of wonderful birthday wishes.

It's been a reminder to me that there are people out there that are quick to wish you the best. You know what's in their heart because of the words they speak - or write. It's amazing to think that a simple kind word can be so powerful.

But so can an unkind word.

As writers, we depend on words to tell our stories. As speakers, we count on our carefully chosen words to deliver a message. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are accountable for our words, whether written or spoken. I have been made keenly aware of this recently after someone in my life wrote words to me to deliberately hurt me.

But I have a secret weapon....the word of God. Words above all words, powerful and mighty. I want my words to be builder words, not ones that tear down. A responsibility I don't take lightly anymore. We are stewards, we writers, of the language of the heart. We are blessed to be able to shape them into stories and articles that move people to be better human beings.

Kind of scary isn't it? Give or write a kind word today.
Blessings!

Do You Set The Scene For Your Narratives?

2011-02-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking lately about how much narrative I use in my writing. You hear it talked about a lot in the writing tips blogs and articles. I dont' think I use it much because I am a dialogue person. I love to use dialogue.

But even in dialogue use, you can forget to set the scene enough to draw your reader into the action. And it's especially true for the narrative dependent. Both can dominate the writing and leave little room for adding the details and word pictures needed to make the story interesting and descriptive.

Do you ever forget to pay attention to movement, senses, descriptions and such when you are writing? Do you not worry about it in the first draft and then add them later or do you make sure they are included right from the beginning?

Im going back to my WIP and see just what I can add to set the scene more intimately.

Where have I been????

2011-02-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

You've heard of writer's block? Well, I have blogger's block.

I find myself slipping away, losing my grip on, and generally losing heart for blogging.

But you know what? I miss all of you when I dont blog. Isn't that funny? I have never even met 95% of you, yet there is a connection point between us. It's kind of like your high school chums that you really never see again but wish you had stayed in touch.

You never know how people effect your life until they are missing from it.

So, I will be back very soon - maybe tomorrow even. As soon as this conference planning is done, then I'll be back in full swing - checking on all of you and making regular posts.

I know your lives must go on, but please dont do anything important till I can get back - ok?

Genesis here I come.

2011-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

So I have decided to enter the ACFW Genesis contest for the second time. The first time I entered was with my very first work of fiction. Wow, what an eye opener. It was too soon, but I learned a lot. I hope this time will be different - I think my writing has improved some - at least my critique buddy says so.

The best thing about Genesis is the judging sheets you get back after the contest. Most of them are filled with great advice. (Some not so nice, but oh well) This is the teaching tool that makes the contest worth entering. The judges are professionals from the industry and who knows, you just might get noticed by one of them.

I have no illusions that I will place in any way. I just want the experience. Plus, I need to find out if this nagging call to write non-fiction should be exclusive or not. I know many who write both, but I dont know if I should.

Have any of you struggled with knowing your genre? Can you do both effectively? And are you entering Genesis?

Can writers have sensory overload?

2011-01-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

We are on our way home from Arizona - back to Washington state and rolling wheat fields. The last month has been full of site-seeing. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation is in Arizona, and we experienced quite a bit of it.

Actually, right now Im on sensory overload. This picture is one of many we shot today as we traveled. It all takes my breath away and points me to the Creator. The inspiration is endless because He is.

My question is - can there be too much of a good thing as far as stimulation and inspiration are concerned? As writers we are always seeking inspiration. But even though I have all new pictures in my mind and new experiences to draw on, I think Im going to have to put some distance between them and me for a while. My brain needs to sort out what I can use and what needs to be tucked away for another time. I need time to figure out what to do with it all.

What do you think.....is there such a thing as too much inspiration for a writer?

How About Those Editing Check Lists?

2011-01-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

I dont know about you, but I need constant reminding of some basic things to look for in a manuscript when proofing or editing. Here are a few:

Do my sentences begin with the words "There" or "It"?

Am I using predominately passive voice?

Are there cliches or weak words in my sentences?

Am I repeating certain words over and over and over and over?

Is my dialogue confusing - does the reader know who is speaking?

Are my characters speaking naturally?

Does the dialogue advance the story?

Are my sentences or paragraphs too long?

I suppose the list could go on and on, but these are good things to start with. Im one of those people who just want to write it and then move on. The editing process is only fun for a few chapters - then I get frustrated. But having a check list will help keep me on track, so I will be using one from now on.

How about you? Do you use a check system of some sort?

Inspiration

2011-01-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

As I stood looking at the Grand Canyon yesterday....no, looking is a weak word.....I cant even think of one to describe what my eyes were doing...

...I could only think of how small my world is. The old hymn, "How Great Thou Art" rang in my ears. I wonder what inspired Stuart K. Hine to pen those words. Maybe he stood where I stood. Maybe he was just inspired by a bird in flight or a smile of a child. It's all from the same source. I have a different perspective on inspiration. I know that it comes from different experiences and revelations. It shouldn't take an event like this to inspire meaningful words.

But, oh, what a good job God did on that canyon. I scarce could take it in....

Writing is a Choice

2011-01-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've been reading articles lately on finding time to write. It's true, you have to MAKE the time - not try to find it. This truth always makes me feel guilty. I have the time....I just dont manage it well.

When I think of all you writers out there trying to juggle a job, parenting, social obligations, etc - and then trying to squeeze in time to write, I wish I could give you some of my wasted time.

When you make the choice to become a writer, commitment has to play a stronger roll in your time management. For me it's making the choice to choose writing - if that makes sense. Right now while Im busy planning and organizing a writers conference, I find that I choose immersing myself in that rather than choosing to clear my head and finish that chapter in my WIP.

My goal in the coming weeks is to be proactive in my writing time and stick to a disciplined time schedule. This may not be easy for a panster, but I can do it. So can you.

Writing is a choice.

Writers Conferences

2011-01-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

When I attended my first writers conference I wasn't really sure what to expect. I went to learn, absorb and maybe make some new friends. What actually happened far exceeded my expectations, hopes and dreams.

No, I didn't find an agent, publisher or win the rookie of the year award. But I did meet some awesome people, including editors, authors and organizers. I had my first pitch session with 3 different editors and learned a lot about the industry and how things work.

I was in heaven. I have often said since then that I could easily become a conference junkie. I have since attended another popular conference and Im now in the process of directing a writers conference in my city. Have a great keynote speaker and workshops. I am praying this conference meets and exceeds expectations of the attendees - much as it did me at my first conference.

What would you like to see at a writers conference? What are some things about any conferences you have attended that you would have liked to see done differently or what things did you most enjoy?

Do you follow the market trends?

2011-01-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what is selling in the Christian market these days? I do. I'm not very good at keeping up with current publishing news, but it's one of my goals this year. I plan to subscribe to a writer's magazine and start following sites that keep Christian writers informed about the market. One site that will give you great information is www.cbaonline.org. I found their best seller list interesting.

CBA's Top Seller list:

1 Jesus Calling by Sarah Young,

2 Radical by David Platt

3 Crazy Love by Francis Chan & Danae Yankoski

4 Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

5 Decision Points by George Bush

6 Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman & Ellen Vaughn

7 Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo & Lynn Vincent

8 Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees & Chris Fabry

9 The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick

10. The Action Bible/David C. Cook

I think it's important for all of us writers to follow trends - even though we may not write to suit them. We write to suit what God has put in our hearts. But we do need to know the industry if we are writing to publish.

Do you follow any particular site or subscribe to any particular magazine? Please share.

Have a great week.

New post for Mom Care...

2011-01-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

I hope you moms will go to my new blog I share with another writer/mom. We need more followers! Nan has posted a new helpful article titled "Code Red...Mom's Down!"

Please give us some feedback as we start this new blog/ministry.

Are Agents Becoming an Endangered Species?

2011-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

I just read Rachelle Gardner's blog announcing that she will not be taking any queries for the first quarter of 2011. Furthermore she states that it's rare that the agency takes on client's based on the query system. So the query I sent in in Oct/Nov will be deleted. And it looks like I will never have a chance with Wordserve. And that's ok - my career or lack of is not dependent on any agency, publishing house, or even me. The news has given me cause to pause and re-evaluate the process.

I have always said I wouldn't be an agent for all the money in the world. Wordserve has been a much sought after agency that has done a terrific job in this industry. They work very hard at what they do and are good at their craft.

But Im disappointed at the dwindling number of agents and the vanishing odds of being signed by one. I can understand how more and more authors are turning to Custom Publishing. When editors continue to advise me to find an agent, I wonder if they realize what the odds are for that to happen. When you have only a few handfuls of agents to choose from - it's not just a matter of picking one and they automatically sign you.

Im not giving up...dont get me wrong - I have a couple agents yet to try. Im only wondering if I should go get a job to pay for my self publishing expenses!!!! Actually, I could invest in conferences and do a lot of pitching instead - more fun.

And I want to know what you think of my concerns.

Dont Just Sit There

2011-01-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. What a great motivator and encourager this author is. I have a thing (as you can see by the title of my blog) for pursuing your dreams. This book gives a great story and practical steps to grasp your dream.

Here is one paragraph I particularly like:
"Your Dream is yours to act on. God is waiting for you to value His gift of your Dream enough to live it. He will not force you to choose. Nor will he "make it happen" for you. You must choose. You must act. Paul's amazing commitment to "lay hold" of that for which God had laid hold of him. Your big Dream is what God has laid hold of you to do. And fortunately, it's never too late to act on your Dream. Just ask Moses."

Are you acting on your Dream? Have you recognized what your God given Dream is? Maybe you should ask Him to reveal it to you if you're not sure.

Dream big and then move on it.
Happy New Year!

Check out my new blog....

2010-12-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

http://momcare.blogspot.com/

Are you a supermom? A recovering supermom? A wanna be supermom? Need help?

Then this blog will be for you.

If not, then this blog will be for someone you know....spread the word.

Is Self Publishing an option for you?

2010-12-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

Nick Harrison has a blog post up about self publishing. I have been mulling this over for some time.

My current WIP is a collaboration with another writer. It wont be a huge book - maybe 40,000 words and we need it done as soon as possible to use as an accompaniment for my speaking engagements to moms.

My personal concern is, of course, getting my investment back. Although my platform is growing slowly, I know it will take hard work and gumption to promote it. My partner doesn't have the time to spare, so it will mostly fall on me to get the word out. Actually, that doesn't intimidate me, but writing that check does.

I'd like to know what you all think about SP and if you would ever consider it if you were in the same circumstances as me.

Im featured at Author Haven today...

2010-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Author Haven has graciously let me plug the Spokane conference on their blog today. Check it out and read the story behind it all.

http://authorhaven.blogspot.com/2010/12/author-haven-follower-highlight-jan.html

Realistically speaking...

2010-12-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

do you think you will get much blogging or writing done over the holidays? I've been wondering if I should just give it a rest. Every time I sit down to do either, I am plagued with all the things that must get done this week. Cooking, cleaning, wrapping, last minute shopping, cards, Christmas programs and the like.

I think it's time to take the pressure off and tell myself, it's alright to wait till after the holidays to write.

I can take this time to daydream about my characters and plot. I can take this time to gather information at my leisure. There are many things I can do to prepare myself to dig in again in a few weeks. Right?

How about you? Do you plan on pushing through this busy time of year writing as usual or will you take a break?

Re-reading some good stuff...

2010-12-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's easy to slip into holiday oblivian and neglect the things you like to do - like blogging.

But Im not going to post about Christmas....I refuse. I need some good writing inspiration so I went hunting. Pulled out a bunch of my non-fiction books and Im reading all the highlighted and underlined passages.

I love going back to the words that caught my attention and reviewing to see if I made any life changes because of them. What I discovered is that, yes, I did. Not many changes, but some. That's good.

I will be using some of what Im reading to enhance my non-fiction WIP. Here's some of the titles:

Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart
A Woman of Significance by Donna Morley
To Be Told by Dan Allender
The Search for Significance by Robert McGee
Recapture the Wonder by Ravi Zacharias

Just to name a few.

Do you ever go back and re-read?

Need bigger shoes? Or just bigger faith?

2010-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have a dream? Are you squeezing yourself into shoes that are too small? Do you BELIEVE enough to try filling bigger shoes?

This video was sent to me by a new friend. She is a Christian speaker and this video will give you lots to think about over the weekend.

http://bhisgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/if-shoe-fits.html

Blessings

Jan

On the Classics and Rules

2010-12-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

I've never read all of Jane Austen's novels. As I was browsing at Barnes and Noble yesterday I decided to pick up a copy of two of them. I thought I needed a good dose of classic writing. I started with "Northanger Abbey", published posthumously in 1818. The book was written in 1803, but the publisher hung on to it until after Jane's death.

The first thing I noticed as I read was:

RULES, RULES. What happened to the rules? The rules of writing, I mean. I think I was born too late. I should have been a 19th century novelist.

Sentences that last a paragraph, and punctuation added at will. That's for me.

The amazing thing is, it's such beautiful writing. Jane tells a story like none other. And how about Bronte, Dickens and Twian? All brilliant, all successful.

I like good storytelling. I don't like rules. I just hope I become better at the former and not so concerned with the latter.

Do you find yourself bound by rules, or can you ignore them and let the story flow?

So much encouragement....so little time.

2010-12-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

I sat next to a lady at a church women's event last night. A mutual friend introduced us and told me that she wanted us to sit together. My friend went on to explain that this lady wrote poetry and she was hoping I would encourage her.

This is starting to happen to me a lot. I am always happy to talk about writing!

But I am finding that there are a great many writers out there that have neglected their gift and given up on writing. I am becoming more bold about how I talk to these people. I usually come right out and tell them they need to get on the stick and write. No more sugar-coating. No more pampering.

I completely understand the urge to give up. Ive done it many times! But I know there is no point in giving up because we always go back to it, and then we have lost time when we could have been ahead of the game. I tell them to get to a writers group or go to a conference.

So I will keep on exhorting and encouraging. I love seeing the expression on their face when they "wake up".

Any authors out there? Got books?

2010-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Im watching the snow melt and drip off the pine tree outside my window. Winter is in full force here in the Northwest. But I also know in just a few short months our Inland Northwest Christian Writers conference will be under way.

So much to do before then....but God continues to open doors and put things in place.

I would like to put out a call for help in one area...

We are trying to keep expenses to a minimum so that tuition can be affordable. Thus, I am in need of some donated books for giveaways and prizes during and before the conference. If there are any authors out there who would offer an autographed copy of their book(s) to give away for the conference, I would greatly appreciate your contribution. Of course you would also be mentioned as a contributor at the conference, and hopefully that will bring attention to your projects.

Please comment here if you are willing to help and include your email address so I can contact you. If you would like to check out the conference website it is listed above this post.

Thank you so much in advance and everyone have a wonderful weekend.

Tis the Birthday of a King, right?

2010-11-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

What is it about the holiday season that can seem like you're perched on a horse at the carousel? Up and down, round and round, yet staying in the same place all the time. The music gets louder and louder and you want to get off, but you have to wait till it all stops. Then when you do get off, your head is still spinning.

I dont mean to sound like I hate the holidays. I dont really. But I dont like getting caught up in the Merry Go Round of it all. It's easy to do. We are pressured to do it - surrounded by advertising, busy schedules and meaningless shopping.

The purpose can get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I dont want to be buying ''stuff" just to fill an obligation. I dont' want to be a part of a Christmas play that has little impact for the actual Subject of the celebration.

I do want to bring more purpose into my life - and that includes Christmas. I guess this year I am re-evaluating the purpose of the things I "volunteer" to do that distract me from the meaning I want to experience for the season.

Tis the birthday of a King. I hope I can stamp that on my heart this year.
How about you?

Christian Writers Conference in Spokane, WA

2010-11-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

There is just a few details left to finalize our conference plans. I wanted to put out another plea to my blogger friends to either mention the conference on your blog or post the link to the conference website. Any help I can gain in spreading the word would be much appreciated.

I know everyone is busy with the holidays, but I anticipate registrations to start rolling in soon after the first of the year. I have arranged some reasonable hotel accomodations, and the registration fee is the lowest you will see for this kind of conference.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. All of us have so much to be thankful for...whether we realize it or not.

http://www.inwchristianwriters.webs.com/