Five Must-Have Writer’s Tools

Guest blog post by author Beverly Nault

I took a poll of authors I know, and asked them “What resources do you keep at your fingertips?” Here are the top five.


1. Chicago Manual of Style, Fifteenth Edition – considered the go-to twelve-pounder on all things punctuation, this is the editing tool that will make you look and feel like a pro. Excellent for building upper body strength and solving every question about commas, split infinitives and when to use a semicolon. All right, it’s only three pounds, but worth its weight in royalties. Wait, did I punc that right? Lift and curl.

2. Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell. Alongside his Plot & Structure, these twins from the Writer’s Digest Write Great Fiction series are not only fun and easy to read of themselves, their advice and techniques have transformed many a dull, hard-to-follow manuscript into blockbusters.

3. Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer. Subtitled, “For when you know what you want to say but can’t think of the word,” this gem is a cross between a thesaurus and an antonym/synonym dictionary. The Flip suggests alternates for boring words or clichés. The author also includes terrific lists like, “Horse Related Terms” and “Currencies of the World.”

4. Better than Great by Arthur Plotnik. I just got my copy, but I’d heard so much about this new guide from the great Plotnik I pre-ordered, and now I’m studying it from cover to cover. He’s not only compiled superlatives that are fun to read, he teaches how to combine phrases and expressions in new ways to go beyond merely awesome. Jaw-breakingly amazing (p 57).

5. www.thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/ Angela Ackerman and Becky Puglisi’s site discusses topics such as “how to describe a tornado” and “character and emotional traits” in their fantastic thesaural lists. You can click through for inspiration and creative ways to describe colors, weather, nature, people. I’m hoping they’ll compile it into book format soon.

Bonus Material! Before you go, here’s a site I’m learning to use myself:

6. www.behindthename.com, a clever site to find the perfect character name.

What are you dog-earing or clicking on to support your writing? We’d love to hear from you. Thanks to the authors and editors of Lamp Post Publications www.lamppostpubs.com for the assist! @lamppostpubs and @bevnault

Bloopers and Blunders of a Wannabe Author



"I'm just a cotton headed ninny muggins."

"You're not a cotton headed ninny muggins...You're just special."


Poor Buddy the elf. I know just how he feels.

How so? Well, I've decided something--aspiring authors can sometimes be rather spastic people. Or for the sake of this blog post, "special." I mean, we've got all this penned up energy, all these stories darting around in our brains while trying to squeeze through this funnel that leads to the world of publication. So at times (due to all that creative energy and darn emotional drive) we tend to be more of a menace to society than a pulled together professional. Ever had one of those moments? The moment when any decorum (or coolness) you may have had dissipated quicker than you could say "elevator pitch."

Boy, have I ever. So just for fun, and for all you out there who've ever accidentally traded your brief case for a dunce cap, I've decided to share a few of my own writing bloopers and blunders.


1.  So when I first starting sending out query letters, I printed them on this really nice ivory paper. Nothing wrong with that. But then I decided to get crafty and use my little embosser I got at the scrapbook store and make a pretty little header on top with scrolly things and a flower. Apparently, I thought my crafty touches would secure me an instant contract. It didn't. Fortunately I showed restraint before pulling out the stickers and puffy paint--but not before drawing, then scanning, my own personal logo that I so professionally designed and printed on each query letter. Beginning to see the whole wanna be author on the loose thing? Oh, it gets worse.

2.  Many moons ago, at one of my first signings for a little book I had, an old family friend (someone whom I've known practically since birth) came to buy one. I pulled out a fresh copy of the book and my little sharpie marker, then went to personalize it.

Except I just stared blankly at the page, wracking my brain for this person's name. For the life of me, I couldn't remember.

I asked them--this person I'd known since birth--who I should make it out to. They suggested I make it out to them and their spouse.

Oh.

Now at this point, I desperately wanted to dive under the table but I'd probably smack my head and knock myself out and I really didn't want the bookstore owner to have to call 911 on my behalf. Besides, as a close family friend this person would probably have offered to ride in the back of the ambulance with me and hold my hand while I iced the lump on my head the size of a cantaloupe AND I still wouldn't have been able to remember their name. Hmmm, at least I'd have an excuse. Tempting...

I decide to forgo the diving under the table opportunity and proceeded to stare blankly at the page awaiting personalization. Finally, I asked, "How do you spell your name?" And (of course) they said, "Just like it sounds."

Uh.

At that moment, this sweet, kind, patient person spelled out their name and the light bulb went on. I may have been sweating bullets by then, but if they noticed, they showed nothing but gratitude for the book.


3:  At a writer's conference recently, I had an appointment to meet with one of my absolute favorite authors. I was really excited. Beyond excited, because I'd been planning on meeting with this person for months and had all these questions I was just dying to ask.

So. I had my time mentally recorded when I began chatting with another writer friend during a free moment. She told me about her upcoming appointments and somehow my (spastic-wannabe-author-on-the-loose) brain decided to convert her time to mine. Long story short, I suddenly realized that I had missed my meeting so I rushed (OK, I practically ran--if you're envisioning me in my ridiculous black high-heels catapulting myself through the facility, business cards flying out behind me like a cloud of dust...you're not too far off). I missed the meeting and with a broken lil' writer's heart, mopped my brow and probably went in search of the snack table to drown my sorrows. I hear they invented this thing called pen and paper--they say its handy for writing things down. Who'da thought?


4.  The VERY first time I called my agent, it went to her voicemail and I was so nervous I blurted out, "Hi Suzanne, this is Sandra."

Instant Replay: "Hi Suzanne, this is Sandra."

eh em.

My agents name would be Sandra and my name would be Joanne.

Apparently I confused her with my mother-in-law, then proceeded to steal her identity. Oh, and then I sat without speaking for probably five seconds, no doubt breathing into the phone like a stalker, debating whether or not to hang up. Then I remembered this little thing called caller ID (and how to converse in the English language) and quickly left the shortest, most pitiful message I could manage before hanging up. Yeah. Great way to kick off that professional agent/author relationship.

Well that was painful, but I feel like I got a lot off my chest ;) Feel free to share you're own bloopers and blunders. I'd love to know that there are others out there who've lost all sense and reason at least one time or another! Oh and the next time you bump into a writer aspiring toward publication, be patient...they're a little special.

Photo credit: Elf, 2003

The Writer's Torch: Beverly Nault

**Leave a comment below for a chance to win a free copy!

About Fresh Start Summer: Friendships, old and new, find fresh beginnings when Cherryvale's extreme makeover transforms the peaceful town to an exciting movie location. Grace Harkins, a muffin-baking, bike-riding, retired teacher can't wait to be an extra for the movie filming in Cherryvale. But when outspoken Maggie protests the "biz" invading, suspicious fires break out, strangers lurk and threatening phone calls force Grace to choose between her carefree retirement and saving a friendship in real danger.

Author Beverly Nault shares her inspiration behind her series, The Seasons of Cherryvale:
Pastors lament “mature” Christians can be the toughest to keep engaged of a Sunday morning. Pretty sure they mean me. Throw down the same old phrases, stale lessons and sermon illustrations I’ve heard all my life, and I’ll pull out the cell phone, search for a cool app, or attack those birds.


And if I hear that starfish in the ocean story one more time…sheesh!

But tell me a joke, or better yet, an interesting story…can I just say I pity the PF (pastor’s family)? Apparently they have zero expectation of privacy. Because our pastor uses his kids a lot in stories. Good stories, mind you, but a lot.

Anywho, if I sense a good story beginning, I pause the game, sit up and listen.

Because a fresh story (ha! I knew I could get my brand in there), and especially something that makes me laugh, is worth paying attention to. Many pastors are genius at this. Do they offer “Telling Good Story 101” in seminary? They should, because guess Who told the best? Yep. Jesus. Ding, ding! Thanks for playing.

Too many things holler for my attention and I know you’re the same. I mean, just this week we had season finales of both “Dancing With the Stars” and “American Idol.” Not saying I watched the premiere of “The Bachelorette,” but what was with the guy in the mask, anyway? Even if you’re not a television watcher, you’re busy homeschooling and running ministries and feeding the homeless and…you see my point. Us writer-types must give you a reason to put down that remote, shut off CNN…ahem, Fox News, and take a much-needed break. And maybe, just maybe, become a little closer to the Lord.
 
When I download, order, buy, or borrow a book at my library (do librarians intimidate you, or is it just me?), I want stories that give me a chance to know what it’s like to live in someone else’s skin for a little while. But it’s more than that.


For instance, I love a good armchair adventure. Most specifically the ones where people give up everything and tour the world on pocket-change and hospitality, living by their wits. Makes me feel as if I’m hiking or backpacking or riding that camel along with them. Or a story about someone who moves to a foreign country, learns the language, buys an old ruin (that’s what they call a fixer in Europe) and starts a new life with new neighbors and new customs. But I can’t do that. Correction. I would never do that. So I read about these brave adventurers. Or missionaries. Yeah, they do that, too. Even harder, because they’re often in personal danger. Yikes. God bless them.


How does faith inform what I write? I want to write what I’d like to read, and as a lifelong Christian, I don’t want to be re-instructed when I read for pleasure. After all, you’re probably like me. When faith becomes second-nature, it’s not as if you pause and wonder, “Gee, what is the scripture that applies to this?” like a matching test: “Connect life-dilemma in column A to Scripture in Column B” kind of thing. And I don’t believe that’s what most people want to read, either.


I intentionally populate my stories with relatable, real people facing life and handling crises through the lens of faith. Organic to who they are as believers. Even the town they live in reflects their, and our, eternal destination.


Cherryvale, the fictional setting of Fresh Start Summer, is a little closer to the ideal; shall I say, closer to heaven? I have to spend a lot of time there, so I wanted to built a community where I wanted to go. And return to often.

It’s a little prettier, a little kinder. We need a brief escape from our world with its bankruptcies and unemployment and floods, tornadoes…you get my drift.

Like I said, the people are real. They have their quirks, their warts and their challenges. Some of them are even a bit, well, flawed. Stories wouldn’t be interesting without imperfect people, even Christians.

And conflict. Because that’s how we grow in our faith. Think a mash-up of Mayberry and Wisteria Lane. (Not that I’m hooked on “Desperate Housewives” or anything.)

For just pocket change and a few hours in a comfy chair, I want you to experience the hospitality, warmth and long hugs from the people of Cherryvale. And see what it’s like in someone else’s shoes. Someone who is similar, but not exactly the same. Someone you can relate to, but perhaps who sees things differently than you do. Or you might argue with them over their choices, cheer for their triumphs, hurt for them when they’re in pain.

Can I get an Amen?

I pray my stories bring joy, hope, make you giggle, and that you’re refreshed and ready to face the world with a little more energy and perhaps a little pizzazz. That you’re inspired to deal with some old baggage—if that’s needed—in your relationships (be honest, if you’re older than Kindergarten, chances are good some repairs need to be made.) And perhaps challenged to begin a hobby, step out in ministry or re-visit a dream long ago abandoned.

I pray my stories help you walk closer to Christ, reflect His joy in all you do and say. And to find fresh beginnings in His love. That’s my prayer, and that’s why I write.


Beverly's website:
http://www.beverlynault.com/

Book Giveaway:
To enter for a chance to win a free copy of Fresh Start Summer, simply leave a comment below. The winner will be chosen and announced here on June 20th, so please check back Or follow via  facebook to be automatically notified :]

*book will be reserved on winners behalf for three weeks, after that time a runner up will be selected.

A Case of Sour Grapes

Jealousy. A word that's green with envy and a little bitter to swallow. A word that most of us have been familiar with at one point of our lives or another. I got hit with a case of it recently. I stumbled upon an author awhile back with a book contract I would have probably sold my left patella for and a series of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen. Instead of being happy for them, I plopped down on the floor and cried "Why them, God? Why not me?" Me, me, me, me.

Ew. It was rather unattractive.

But I was frustrated. Really frustrated. Have you ever had that feeling? It was hard not to throw my hands in the air and count off all the reasons why I should be as fortunate as them and who are they to... yeah, like I said, pretty unattractive. It was at that moment I halted in my tracks. What I felt was wrong. Very wrong. And suddenly, the only emotion I felt was shame...OK, I'll admit, the jealousy was still lurking in the shadows. So I asked, "God, what do I do about this? It's not right to feel this way."

Then the answer came--the way to cure a case of sour grapes:

I added this person to my prayer list.

Yep, you heard me.

Beyond their name, pretty book covers and 3 book contract, I really have no idea who they are. I don't know anything about them. I don't know how hard they worked to get to where they are or how many hours were spent on their knees talking to God about their hopes and dreams or how excited their family and loved ones were when the big "call" came through that a publishing house had offered a deal. 

But here I was, pouting about their success. So I did what I felt God calling me to do and I immediately began to pray for them. And I continue to pray for that person until this day. Whenever they pop into my head, I immediately lift them up to the throne of grace and pray for God's hand to continue to bless their life and writing career.

And you know what? The jealousy vanished. And if ever there is a moment where it tries to creep back in, I turn right around and spend those moments that I could have wasted stewing about how others have it "better" than I do, into a time of worshiping my God and trusting that he knows what books need to be published a WHOLE lot better than I do, and thanking him for the lives that have been touched through that very special author.

Encouragement For Mothers: Little Helpers

As my husband and I are raising our two (soon to be three) children, there are a few character traits we have made a priority to instill in them: self control, patience, cheerfulness and being helpful. We've found that we have had the greatest success in training them up to have these traits in their hearts by teaching with example and keeping them close to us as we go about our daily lives--which means we have had to teach ourselves how to keep these traits front and center in our hearts and countenance (not always easy, but the more we work and learn in our own spirits, it continues to grow in our family).

There have been times, particularly early on in my mothering that I wanted to shoo a little one off. "Go play with your toys, mommy's busy. I really need to get this done." Now while I'm sure that still pops out of my mouth here and there (particularily when trying to meet a writing deadline!) I have tried to give my attitude a mega adjustment and see those little hands as being helpful while recognizing an opportunity to have my children work alongside me, whether it be in the kitchen, garden, etc. A valuable chance to not only teach them what I am doing, but to listen and talk with them. To spend time with them. And busy little hands helping mommy have a lot harder time getting into trouble, then little hands left on their own somewhere else in the house!

My daughter recently turned two and I cannot be in the kitchen, whether its making a PB&J or a batch of cookies without her scooting a chair over, nabbing her little apron from the drawer, climbing up and seeing how she can watch and help. This brings her joy. Her favorite tasks are dumping ingredients that I've measured into the bowl and stirring. She's also my champion tortilla roller outer. Give that girl a rolling pin and she's one hot senorita in the kitchen.

Recently, after about an hour of working in the garden with my four-year-old son, I turned to him and asked, "What would you rather do? Play with toys or help mommy do a project." Now this wasn't a trick question and I was certain of his answer--toys. But he surprised me. After a moments thought, he turned to me and said, "helping mommy with projects."

I couldn't believe it. So much of our culture today instills into our minds that our children need every toy on the market and millions of DVD's to keep content and be entertained. When in reality, they just want to be loved. They want to be noticed, appreciated and helpful. They want to look up into an adult face and hear the words, "You did an awesome job. I couldn't have done it without your help." And to parents with younger children, take advantage of that window while its still wide open.

There were a few life choices that helped. My husband and I have always talked about having very few battery-operated toys. We didnt want our children always seeking entertainment. Plastic tools, little shovels and rakes, balls, trucks, tractors, puzzles, books, and cooking utensils for mud pies and leaf soup are what our children have had since they were tiny tots. People sometime comment on my son who is always eager to jump out and dig in the snow or the dirt or to help an adult fix something. And I always say "Tools are his toys. This is his favorite thing to do."

While my children get plenty of time for free play everyday, hours in fact now that its beautiful and sunny out, we always manage to come together here and then to work side-by-side which is where so much of their schooling and learning takes place. And the results are a parent's greatest reward. Just the other day, while the kids were in the back yard having fun all on their own, I looked out to see that my son had hopped off his swing and was standing their giving his sister a few minutes of good-pushing time on her own swing. I saw then and there, that to be helpful is now a part of his heart. He's learning to value the time he spends with his sister and to think of how he can serve others, not grudgingly, but with a laughing, four-year-old heart.

Winning Him Without Words: Book Review & Giveaway!

A mismatch Blessed by heaven.
If your husband does not share your faith, you may feel like you are walking a tightrope of spiritual survival--guarding the flame of your belief in Christ, yet unable to share it with the person you love the most in the world. But your spiritually mismatched marriage can be a vibrant, blessed relationship where you're free to grow in love with God and your man!



Co Authors Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller open up their hearts and past experiences to share with the reader mistakes they have made in the past and triumphs they've experienced by turning the possibility of their husband's salvation over to Christ and simply loving their hubby and being the wife he needs by believing their marriage is blessed, staying connected to their man and allowing God to do His work in their husband's lives. Written in a girlfriend to girlfriend style, Winning Him Without Words is the perfect book for any woman in an unequally yoked marriage who is looking for hope that she can have a happy, blessed and thriving marriage with her unbelieving husband without needing to compromise on her relationship with Christ.

Lynn Donovan and I attend the same critique group and she has such a heart for women and a desire to share her story. When the book first came out, we asked her what her husband thought of it all. She surprised us by saying that he completely supports the book and her ministry. Now that is a spiritually mismatched marriage that is strong and thriving! To Learn more about their story, check out the video above.

Also, I have a copy of this book to give away! And I am so excited to share about the awesome book. Just leave a comment below and you will be entered into the drawing. The winner will be chosen on May 12, so please check back! Also, you can find more information about Winning Him Without Words and Lynn and Dineen's ministry at their website:
http://www.winninghimwithoutwords.com/

Home From Mount Hermon 2011

Well I'm home. After spending a day cuddling and hanging out with my kids, attempting (and failing) to unpack, I decided to sit down and write about my week at Mount Hermon. I've heard from so many writers who have been there what a great conference it is and now I see why people go back year after year. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and this year's conference just happened to land in a sunny patch of the weather forecast so we had warm, blue skies every day. Last night over Mexican food, I told my husband about the conference and he was very attentive. Finally, he said "So it's kind of like band camp but for writers." Haha, pretty much. Who else but a group of writers would think a late-night panel discussion on e-books between Steve Laube, Randy Ingermanson, James Scott Bell and several others is as fun as an episode of Saturday Night Live?

I decided to take Steve Laube's morning track which was an inside look at the publishing process from idea to print. Our class was small, just six people, but he was a great sport about it. Steve Laube answered our questions and personalized his examples around our own books and places in the publishing process. The folks in my morning track were so friendly and it was a great time of sharing our writing projects and goals and getting to know one another. I wish them all the best! And I was really glad for such a small group when it came time to stand in front of the class and test our elevator pitches. Everyone gave feedback and we all walked away with the perfect pitch. Although when Steve reminded us that the class was being recorded for all to hear who chose to buy the conference cd's...gulp. I think he thought he was funny :)

And really, I have no idea why I was so nervous. It's not like any conference I've ever been to. I even wore my purple converse most days and fit in perfectly with the jeans and tennis shoes theme. Mount Hermon is so welcoming and makes it easy for first-timers to get into the groove of things. Meal times were an opportunity to meet writers from every genre and walk of life, while sitting down with faculty members who are more than willing to hear pitches, story ideas and schedule appointments. None of those dreadful 15 minute speed dating appointments at Mount Hermon. Thank God! I admire those who are seeking an agent and bravely set up appointments and pitch their projects. It really is quite a task, one that I spent a long time pursuing, making me all the more thankful for my wonderful agent.

The days were jam-packed with workshops from morning til night on every writing topic under the sun. My favorite was a night-owl workshop held by Sarah Sundin about researching for historical fiction. I almost didn't make it because my fabulous sense of direction had me wandering around in the dark forever until I finally found the room. Let me just tell you, the girl knows how to research and had some of us drooling over her massively thick binders chock full of perfectly documented notes, countless copies of magazines, newspapers, even food ads from 1940, complete with color coded tabs, a table of contents and detailed bibliography on every book she has used. She must have read a hundred books on WWII and her suggestions and tips for researching were INVALUABLE. I had to pick my jaw off the floor and make a mental note to whip my own resources into better shape. And congratulations to Sarah for her win at the awards ceremony Monday night!

When I found time to sneak away, sometimes skipping a workshop for a walk along the paths and a deep breath, I felt instantly energized. The redwood forests, lush with ferns and greenery, wildlife and streams, was the perfect place for reflection and spending some time alone with God. Every evening, a message of encouragement and a challenge to walk closer with God seemed to spill out of the keynote speaker, Bill Myers. It was a wonderful time of study and reflection on my own walk and a reminder that God is with us through all times. If you have considered purchasing any conference cd's, that is a session I highly recommend.

Being there with my critique pals made the trip so much fun. We supported, encouraged, and often times laughed with each other as we took it all in, making my first trip to Mount Hermon one I will never forget.