Henri Nouwen wrote that "writing is a process in which we discover what lives in us." As I read this quote, I was reminded of Christ's words that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). By extension we could say that out of the abundance of our hearts, our pens write.
If we want to know what is in our heart, all we have to do is listen to what we say or, as writers, to what we write. Are you pleased with what you are writing? Is it bringing glory to God?
I need continually to re-evaluate my words, both spoken and written. At times, I need to repent of my words, especially spoken. But praise God we have a Savior Who is quick to forgive.
Let us purpose in our hearts that we will speak and write only words that bring glory to God and encouragement to others.
PLEASE NOTE:
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Good Writers Read
Reading is essential to good writing. A writer who does not read is selling herself short. Why is it so important to read widely in order to be a good writer? Here are a few reasons:
1) Reading shows you how other writers have handled the same problems you face.
2) Reading allows you to assimilate, on a subconscious level, the techniques other writers have used to create excellent writing.
3) Reading keeps you informed about what is going on in the publishing industry. This information is critical when preparing your own book proposal.
4) Reading generates ideas for your own writing.
5) Reading helps you develop literary discernment, much as a chef learns to distinguish between a good recipe and an outstanding one.
If you haven't been reading, start today. Your writing will be all the better for it.
1) Reading shows you how other writers have handled the same problems you face.
2) Reading allows you to assimilate, on a subconscious level, the techniques other writers have used to create excellent writing.
3) Reading keeps you informed about what is going on in the publishing industry. This information is critical when preparing your own book proposal.
4) Reading generates ideas for your own writing.
5) Reading helps you develop literary discernment, much as a chef learns to distinguish between a good recipe and an outstanding one.
If you haven't been reading, start today. Your writing will be all the better for it.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Writing according to Reading Level
More and more, publishers are fine-tuning reading levels when preparing submission guidelines for writers of children's books. Take Simon and Schuster, for example. This well-known publisher of children's literature has established four reading levels, as follows: (For more details, see the publisher's website at http://pages.simonandschuster.com/readytoread/levels from which this post is adapted)
Pre-Level One: This level is characterized by "shared reading, familiar characters, and simple words." Children at this level are most frequently "read to" than reading themselves. This is generally the age from birth to three years. It is that time in a child's lap when she shares the reading experience with a parent or other adult caregiver.
Level One: At this level, the young child begins to "sight read" easy words. He also begins to sound out words. Stories for this age group have very simple plots and dialogue. They deal with topics familiar to the child's world.
Level Two: The child at this reading level can handle longer sentences and simple chapters. Interest in new words increases at this level.
Level Three: At this level, the child reader enjoys more complex plots and more in-depth character development. Vocabulary words are more difficult, as is sentence structure.
It is a good idea to review the guidelines of several publishers before writing your story. While I do not believe in the "dumbing down" of our children, I do think that having a general idea of the kinds of material children enjoy at each reading level will help you to craft stories that will resonate with your young readers.
Pre-Level One: This level is characterized by "shared reading, familiar characters, and simple words." Children at this level are most frequently "read to" than reading themselves. This is generally the age from birth to three years. It is that time in a child's lap when she shares the reading experience with a parent or other adult caregiver.
Level One: At this level, the young child begins to "sight read" easy words. He also begins to sound out words. Stories for this age group have very simple plots and dialogue. They deal with topics familiar to the child's world.
Level Two: The child at this reading level can handle longer sentences and simple chapters. Interest in new words increases at this level.
Level Three: At this level, the child reader enjoys more complex plots and more in-depth character development. Vocabulary words are more difficult, as is sentence structure.
It is a good idea to review the guidelines of several publishers before writing your story. While I do not believe in the "dumbing down" of our children, I do think that having a general idea of the kinds of material children enjoy at each reading level will help you to craft stories that will resonate with your young readers.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Writing for Middlers
Children between the ages of eight and twelve are part of a group called the "Golden Age of Readers." This age group, referred to as "middle-grade readers" or "middlers," is noted for voracious reading on a wide variety of subjects. As a result, the market for material for middlers is a vast one, both in fiction and non-fiction.
A good way to break into the children's market is through a non-fiction piece. Children's magazine editors are always looking for articles on a broad range of topics. Here are some tips to get your started:
A good way to break into the children's market is through a non-fiction piece. Children's magazine editors are always looking for articles on a broad range of topics. Here are some tips to get your started:
- Study several children's magazines to determine their style and their content.
- Choose those that seem like a good market for what you want to write.
- Obtain a copy of the magazine's guidelines. You can usually find them online.
- Follow the editorial instructions and requirements.
- Submit your piece.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Determining the Viability of an Idea
It has been said that ideas are in the air, and if you don't catch some of them, others will. When it comes to writing stories, many writers have similar ideas. The difference that will get your story sold is in the unique twist on those ideas.
So how do you know if an idea you get is good for a story? Here are some clues:
1) Does the idea fascinate you or intrigue you? If an idea does not capture your heart, or at least your mind, then you may wish to think twice before writing about it.
2) Is it relevant to your readership? If you write for a target audience and your idea does not fit that audience, you have two choices: a) Choose another audience; b) Choose another idea.
3) Has it been overly addressed in the marketplace? If so, do you have a fresh angle on it? Solomon said there's nothing new under the sun. The same is true about ideas. If your idea has been written about over and over again, be sure to give it a unique slant.
While others can give you feedback on the viability of an idea, ultimately you the writer must make the choice for yourself.
So how do you know if an idea you get is good for a story? Here are some clues:
1) Does the idea fascinate you or intrigue you? If an idea does not capture your heart, or at least your mind, then you may wish to think twice before writing about it.
2) Is it relevant to your readership? If you write for a target audience and your idea does not fit that audience, you have two choices: a) Choose another audience; b) Choose another idea.
3) Has it been overly addressed in the marketplace? If so, do you have a fresh angle on it? Solomon said there's nothing new under the sun. The same is true about ideas. If your idea has been written about over and over again, be sure to give it a unique slant.
While others can give you feedback on the viability of an idea, ultimately you the writer must make the choice for yourself.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Interview with Children's Author Sandy Weiers
Today I am delighted to welcome fellow writer and blogger, Sandy Weiers. Sandy is the author of the well-received children's book, Joey Is Thankful.
MARYANN:
Hi, Sandy. Welcome to The Write Power. We are delighted to have you with us today. :)
SANDY:
Thank you, MaryAnn. I am delighted to be here. Your posts, books, and interviews have significantly influenced my life as a Christian, writer, and mother.
MARYANN:
Thank you, Sandy. I appreciate your kind words and am glad to have been a blessing to you. You have been writing for a good while now. How did you get started in writing, and what advice would you give to someone just starting out?
SANDY:
I have enjoyed writing since I was in high school. Although I had enjoyed writing for enjoyment and catharsis, I did not take it seriously until after I had my first two children.
Aspiring writers would be wise to dedicate time each day to their writing. Of course, this means actually writing, but it also includes learning more about the craft and business of writing through reading books, attending workshops, and participating in writers' groups and online communities.
MARYANN:
What kinds of writing do you do?
SANDY:
I enjoy writing poetry, devotional/motivational essays, and informative pieces. Many of my illustrations come out out my personal experiences or from anecdotes I heard first hand. Although all good writing requires creativity I have not done much in the realm of fiction, which I think requires a special type of creativity. A little over one year ago, I published a children's book which was actually based on a true story about a conversation I had with my son while sitting on the porch swing. (http://www.joeyisthankful.com/)
MARYANN:
Tell us more about your writing, editing, and proof-reading services.
SANDY:
Well, MaryAnn, because my training is in teaching English, I receive satisfaction in helping others with all of the many stages of the writing process from gathering thoughts and brainstorming to organization to polishing up a final copy. I have edited for word count and audience, and I have assisted non-native speakers of English put out quality marketing materials in English. I have assisted individuals, ministries, and businesses with promotional materials, biographies, résumés, and books. I have also completely written content for companies, with the information provided. Technology makes it quite easy to work over the internet, but I still do face-to-face and phone consults. If I am tutoring students in writing and reading skills, it is always a face-to-face session.
MARYANN:
Sandy, you host a fascinating blog called The Word Surgeon. Tell us about its genesis and how our readers can subscribe.
SANDY:
A few years ago, I realized I needed a website to market my services and promote my writing. My mission is two-fold: 1) To assist others in creating and shaping their own work (doing surgery on their writing) and 2) To deliver a message of hope, healing, and empowerment based on principles in the Word of God (surgery for life, from the Word). My dad had a glass repair/replacement business and called himself the "Glass Surgeon," so I borrowed his idea for my name.
Readers can peruse articles by visiting TheWordSurgeon.net and clicking on Word of the Week. To subscribe, they can visit the Contact page on my website or write to subscribe@thewordsurgeon.net .
MARYANN:
You have a background in education and currently serve as the Associate Director of a Tutoring Agency. How has your experience in education served your writing?
SANDY:
As I mentioned above, my teaching background has familiarized me with every stage of the writing process and provided the training to clearly communicate that knowledge to others. It helped me understand the importance of a writer's expressing his own message in his own voice. I am a tool for writers to deliver their own message most effectively. In addition, my administrative duties with the tutoring company have quickened an awareness for the necessity of quality writing in this competitive marketplace. In hiring, we will quickly dismiss applicants whose résumés have typos or whose letters lack coherence. Clients have requested a new tutor when the tutor's letter of introduction contained an error. Even the best writer can use an "extra set of eyes" for important documents. The written page is sometimes our first means of contact, and as the saying goes, "You do not get a second chance to make a first impression."
MARYANN:
Do you mentor other writers? If so, how can our readers get in touch with you?
SANDY:
Yes, in a short-term sense. Some people come to me and want a matter-of-fact answer. Others desire a more thorough understanding of the "why's" or are seeking direction. I enjoy working with these individuals to enhance their understanding and to assist them in taking their next step or narrowing their goals. After taking the next step (or several), clients have returned for assistance over their next bump in the road, but I would not consider myself a mentor in the longer sense, as a life coach. Readers who are interested in any of my services can reach me via the Contact page on TheWordSurgeon.net or by writing to info@thewordsurgeon.net. There is no fee or obligation for initial consults.
MARYANN:
What do you see as the chief role of the Christian writer?
SANDY:
The chief role of the Christian writer is the same as that of every Christian: to use her own talents to take the Good News of the Bible to the world, and to be an instrument in bringing God's Kingdom to this earth. This may be through outright Bible teaching to train a Christian audience or evangelize the "unchurched." It may also be in the secular arena through quality work that communicates Biblical truths and values without outright preaching. There were times that Jesus spoke very directly about his mission, the relationship with his Father, and about Scripture. There were also times that he illustrated his message with parables or that he met peoples' needs (healing, food, etc.) and drew them to want to know more about him.
MARYANN:
Would you like to share some of your future writing goals?
SANDY:
I would like to make a series of children's books to follow Joey is Thankful. I had a started a project years ago that I would like to complete--a writing and grief workbook to use after the death of a loved one. I also intend on compiling my devotionals. I also believe I will minister more to women through the wisdom and understanding I am gaining in my own life circumstances.
MARYANN:
What is your typical writing day?
SANDY:
When I launched The Word Surgeon in 2009, I was getting up early before the rest of the house to do my writing. However, when I became a single parent about 1.5 years ago, I needed to rise early just to care for the family and have my quiet time. I am fortunate to have some flexibility in my daily schedule, which is also really necessary because of the demands of my current family situation. So, to make sure writing gets proper attention, I schedule it on my Outlook Express calendar, with its own category color. Some events are recurring, such as TheWordSurgeon.net's Word of the Week. I can put reminders for deadlines, marketing, and business duties. I also use the calendar to block off time to use for writing. I carry a small notebook always and jot down anything that comes to mind when I am not near the computer. So, although the time varies, there is a certain method and consistency that works with my lifestyle at this time.
MARYANN:
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
SANDY:
I heard once that God is our Boss, even though we receive our checks from another individual or company. I continually ask Him what He wants me do. What should I pursue? How should I use my time today? Sometimes I plow ahead and am reminded to pause to hear His voice. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but I remember that if I do all in a day that my Boss asked me to do, then I was successful.
MARYANN:
Wise words, dear Sandy, coming from a wise woman. :) Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit us today. We wish you all the best with your writing.
SANDY:
MaryAnn, thank you for inviting me. It is truly an honor. May God continue to bless you and all of your endeavors.
MARYANN:
Thank you, Sandy. You may contact Sandy at info@thewordsurgeon.net. I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.thewordsurgeon.net/home
MARYANN:
Hi, Sandy. Welcome to The Write Power. We are delighted to have you with us today. :)
SANDY:
Thank you, MaryAnn. I am delighted to be here. Your posts, books, and interviews have significantly influenced my life as a Christian, writer, and mother.
MARYANN:
Thank you, Sandy. I appreciate your kind words and am glad to have been a blessing to you. You have been writing for a good while now. How did you get started in writing, and what advice would you give to someone just starting out?
SANDY:
I have enjoyed writing since I was in high school. Although I had enjoyed writing for enjoyment and catharsis, I did not take it seriously until after I had my first two children.
Aspiring writers would be wise to dedicate time each day to their writing. Of course, this means actually writing, but it also includes learning more about the craft and business of writing through reading books, attending workshops, and participating in writers' groups and online communities.
MARYANN:
What kinds of writing do you do?
SANDY:
I enjoy writing poetry, devotional/motivational essays, and informative pieces. Many of my illustrations come out out my personal experiences or from anecdotes I heard first hand. Although all good writing requires creativity I have not done much in the realm of fiction, which I think requires a special type of creativity. A little over one year ago, I published a children's book which was actually based on a true story about a conversation I had with my son while sitting on the porch swing. (http://www.joeyisthankful.com/)
MARYANN:
Tell us more about your writing, editing, and proof-reading services.
SANDY:
Well, MaryAnn, because my training is in teaching English, I receive satisfaction in helping others with all of the many stages of the writing process from gathering thoughts and brainstorming to organization to polishing up a final copy. I have edited for word count and audience, and I have assisted non-native speakers of English put out quality marketing materials in English. I have assisted individuals, ministries, and businesses with promotional materials, biographies, résumés, and books. I have also completely written content for companies, with the information provided. Technology makes it quite easy to work over the internet, but I still do face-to-face and phone consults. If I am tutoring students in writing and reading skills, it is always a face-to-face session.
MARYANN:
Sandy, you host a fascinating blog called The Word Surgeon. Tell us about its genesis and how our readers can subscribe.
SANDY:
A few years ago, I realized I needed a website to market my services and promote my writing. My mission is two-fold: 1) To assist others in creating and shaping their own work (doing surgery on their writing) and 2) To deliver a message of hope, healing, and empowerment based on principles in the Word of God (surgery for life, from the Word). My dad had a glass repair/replacement business and called himself the "Glass Surgeon," so I borrowed his idea for my name.
Readers can peruse articles by visiting TheWordSurgeon.net and clicking on Word of the Week. To subscribe, they can visit the Contact page on my website or write to subscribe@thewordsurgeon.net .
MARYANN:
You have a background in education and currently serve as the Associate Director of a Tutoring Agency. How has your experience in education served your writing?
SANDY:
As I mentioned above, my teaching background has familiarized me with every stage of the writing process and provided the training to clearly communicate that knowledge to others. It helped me understand the importance of a writer's expressing his own message in his own voice. I am a tool for writers to deliver their own message most effectively. In addition, my administrative duties with the tutoring company have quickened an awareness for the necessity of quality writing in this competitive marketplace. In hiring, we will quickly dismiss applicants whose résumés have typos or whose letters lack coherence. Clients have requested a new tutor when the tutor's letter of introduction contained an error. Even the best writer can use an "extra set of eyes" for important documents. The written page is sometimes our first means of contact, and as the saying goes, "You do not get a second chance to make a first impression."
MARYANN:
Do you mentor other writers? If so, how can our readers get in touch with you?
SANDY:
Yes, in a short-term sense. Some people come to me and want a matter-of-fact answer. Others desire a more thorough understanding of the "why's" or are seeking direction. I enjoy working with these individuals to enhance their understanding and to assist them in taking their next step or narrowing their goals. After taking the next step (or several), clients have returned for assistance over their next bump in the road, but I would not consider myself a mentor in the longer sense, as a life coach. Readers who are interested in any of my services can reach me via the Contact page on TheWordSurgeon.net or by writing to info@thewordsurgeon.net. There is no fee or obligation for initial consults.
MARYANN:
What do you see as the chief role of the Christian writer?
SANDY:
The chief role of the Christian writer is the same as that of every Christian: to use her own talents to take the Good News of the Bible to the world, and to be an instrument in bringing God's Kingdom to this earth. This may be through outright Bible teaching to train a Christian audience or evangelize the "unchurched." It may also be in the secular arena through quality work that communicates Biblical truths and values without outright preaching. There were times that Jesus spoke very directly about his mission, the relationship with his Father, and about Scripture. There were also times that he illustrated his message with parables or that he met peoples' needs (healing, food, etc.) and drew them to want to know more about him.
MARYANN:
Would you like to share some of your future writing goals?
SANDY:
I would like to make a series of children's books to follow Joey is Thankful. I had a started a project years ago that I would like to complete--a writing and grief workbook to use after the death of a loved one. I also intend on compiling my devotionals. I also believe I will minister more to women through the wisdom and understanding I am gaining in my own life circumstances.
MARYANN:
What is your typical writing day?
SANDY:
When I launched The Word Surgeon in 2009, I was getting up early before the rest of the house to do my writing. However, when I became a single parent about 1.5 years ago, I needed to rise early just to care for the family and have my quiet time. I am fortunate to have some flexibility in my daily schedule, which is also really necessary because of the demands of my current family situation. So, to make sure writing gets proper attention, I schedule it on my Outlook Express calendar, with its own category color. Some events are recurring, such as TheWordSurgeon.net's Word of the Week. I can put reminders for deadlines, marketing, and business duties. I also use the calendar to block off time to use for writing. I carry a small notebook always and jot down anything that comes to mind when I am not near the computer. So, although the time varies, there is a certain method and consistency that works with my lifestyle at this time.
MARYANN:
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
SANDY:
I heard once that God is our Boss, even though we receive our checks from another individual or company. I continually ask Him what He wants me do. What should I pursue? How should I use my time today? Sometimes I plow ahead and am reminded to pause to hear His voice. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but I remember that if I do all in a day that my Boss asked me to do, then I was successful.
MARYANN:
Wise words, dear Sandy, coming from a wise woman. :) Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit us today. We wish you all the best with your writing.
SANDY:
MaryAnn, thank you for inviting me. It is truly an honor. May God continue to bless you and all of your endeavors.
MARYANN:
Thank you, Sandy. You may contact Sandy at info@thewordsurgeon.net. I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.thewordsurgeon.net/home
Friday, January 20, 2012
How to Pitch Your Novel
If you've written a novel, you know the time and effort it takes to produce a full-length work of fiction. But once you've completed your novel, your work is not over. You will need to pitch your novel to an agent or editor.
So how do you do that?
The first step is to create a very short synopsis of your story. This short synopsis is sometimes called an "elevator pitch" because it is short enough to be spoken between two floors in an elevator. Now you know how short of a distance that is! :)
The purpose of your pitch is to give two important pieces of information that the agent or editor is looking for:
1) What is your novel about?
2) Have you finished writing your novel?
So, as you write your pitch, focus on these two points.
Author and ex-literary agent, Nathan Bransford suggests using a complex sentence to craft your pitch. Here is the sentence. You simply fill in the blanks.
Here is my pitch for my recently completed novel, The Madonna of Pisano:
When a young woman is raped by her parish priest and becomes pregnant,
she faces losing the man she loves and violating the village code of honor
in order to save her family from financial ruin.
Now try your hand at summarizing your story by using the complex sentence above. Then share with us what you've written.
For additional information on how to write a pitch, you may wish to check out the articles below:
“Agent Symposium Series – Pitching Editors”
http://www.agentquery.com/symposium_pitcheditors.aspx
“Beyond the First Draft – The Pitch Sheet and One-Sheet” by Kaye Dacus
http://kayedacus.com/2007/08/28/beyond-the-first-draft%e2%80%94the-pitch-sheet-and-one-sheet/
So how do you do that?
The first step is to create a very short synopsis of your story. This short synopsis is sometimes called an "elevator pitch" because it is short enough to be spoken between two floors in an elevator. Now you know how short of a distance that is! :)
The purpose of your pitch is to give two important pieces of information that the agent or editor is looking for:
1) What is your novel about?
2) Have you finished writing your novel?
So, as you write your pitch, focus on these two points.
Author and ex-literary agent, Nathan Bransford suggests using a complex sentence to craft your pitch. Here is the sentence. You simply fill in the blanks.
When OPENING CONFLICT happens to CHARACTER,
she has to OVERCOME CONFLICT in order to COMPLETE QUEST.
she has to OVERCOME CONFLICT in order to COMPLETE QUEST.
Here is my pitch for my recently completed novel, The Madonna of Pisano:
When a young woman is raped by her parish priest and becomes pregnant,
she faces losing the man she loves and violating the village code of honor
in order to save her family from financial ruin.
Now try your hand at summarizing your story by using the complex sentence above. Then share with us what you've written.
For additional information on how to write a pitch, you may wish to check out the articles below:
“Agent Symposium Series – Pitching Editors”
http://www.agentquery.com/symposium_pitcheditors.aspx
“Beyond the First Draft – The Pitch Sheet and One-Sheet” by Kaye Dacus
http://kayedacus.com/2007/08/28/beyond-the-first-draft%e2%80%94the-pitch-sheet-and-one-sheet/
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